Draymond Green’s Bold Warning: Grizzlies’ Suspension of Ja Morant Could Signal the End of an Era in Memphis, Igniting a Firestorm of Controversy and Division in the NBA Landscape
The Memphis Grizzlies find themselves at a critical juncture, with tensions rising following the suspension of star guard Ja Morant. This incident, which stems from a heated exchange with head coach Tuomas Iisalo after a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, has reignited discussions about Morant’s future with the franchise. Draymond Green, a seasoned player with a history of suspensions, has voiced his concerns, suggesting that the Grizzlies’ decision to suspend their top player may only exacerbate an already volatile situation.
Morant’s journey in the NBA has been marked by both brilliance on the court and controversy off it. Since being drafted in 2019, he has transformed the Grizzlies from a struggling team into a playoff contender. His electrifying style of play and ability to perform under pressure have made him a fan favorite and a key figure in the franchise’s resurgence. However, his off-court issues, particularly related to gun incidents and disciplinary actions, have cast a shadow over his career.
The recent suspension, which followed a game where Morant appeared disengaged, has raised eyebrows. His post-game comments, where he deflected responsibility and questioned the coaching staff’s decisions, suggest a deeper rift within the team. Green’s observations about Morant’s demeanor during the game highlight a growing disconnect that could have significant implications for the Grizzlies moving forward.
Green’s critique of the suspension reflects a broader sentiment among players and analysts. He argues that suspending key players often leads to resentment and a breakdown of trust within the locker room. For a team that has already experienced upheaval, including the firing of popular head coach Taylor Jenkins, the decision to suspend Morant may signal a lack of cohesion and direction. Jenkins was well-regarded by players, and his dismissal just before the playoffs raised questions about the organization’s commitment to its core group.
The dynamics within the Grizzlies’ locker room are complex. Morant’s relationship with his teammates, particularly with Jaren Jackson Jr., is crucial for the team’s success. The firing of Jenkins and the subsequent promotion of an assistant coach may have sent a message that the organization is willing to prioritize management decisions over player input. This could lead to further discontent among players who feel their voices are not being heard.
Suspensions in professional sports often serve as a double-edged sword. While they are intended to enforce discipline and accountability, they can also fracture relationships and diminish morale. Green’s perspective, shaped by his own experiences with suspensions, underscores the potential fallout from such actions. He suggests that the Grizzlies may be playing a dangerous game, as the consequences of suspending a player of Morant’s caliber could be far-reaching.
The question of whether Morant’s time in Memphis is coming to an end looms large. His talent is undeniable, but the organization must weigh the benefits of his on-court contributions against the risks associated with his off-court behavior. The Grizzlies have invested heavily in Morant, and his ability to lead the team is critical for their aspirations of championship contention. However, if the current trajectory continues, the franchise may be forced to reevaluate its commitment to him.
As the situation unfolds, the Grizzlies must navigate the delicate balance between discipline and support. The potential for Morant to emerge from this suspension with renewed focus exists, but so does the risk of further alienation. The trust that is essential for a successful team environment is fragile, and the recent events have undoubtedly strained that trust.
The broader implications of Morant’s situation extend beyond the Grizzlies. The NBA is a league where player empowerment and agency are increasingly emphasized. Teams must consider how their decisions impact not only their rosters but also their reputations and relationships with players. The Grizzlies’ handling of Morant’s suspension could set a precedent for how similar situations are managed in the future.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Memphis as the organization grapples with the fallout from this suspension. The decisions made now will shape the future of the franchise and could determine whether they remain a contender or spiral into disarray. The stakes are high, and the potential for division within the team is palpable. As the drama unfolds, the basketball world watches closely, anticipating the next chapter in this unfolding saga.
Ja Morant has frequently courted controversy in recent years, notably through extended suspensions related to gun incidents. The dynamic guard once again drew scrutiny after a heated locker-room exchange with Memphis Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo following a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. This incident resulted in a one-game suspension for the star.
According to Draymond Green, the Grizzlies are playing with fire in suspending Morant, as they may be crossing a line from which there is no turning back.
Something’s amiss in Memphis
Green shared that he watched the game between the Grizzlies and the Lakers and immediately noticed how disengaged Morant was. Hearing the guard’s comments after the match confirmed Dray’s suspicions: something is happening inside the Grizzlies’ locker room that people don’t know about.
Ja Morant when asked “what went wrong for you today” & why he didn’t have his “usual energy tonight” in Memphis’ LOSS vs. L.A. Lakers:
“Go ask the coaching staff why… go ask the coaching staff if I should play more… according to them, probably don’t play me.”
Morant vs.… pic.twitter.com/MxI2Ybn3Zy
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) November 1, 2025
Draymond, though, disagreed with Memphis’ levying a one-game suspension on Ja, saying those measures don’t achieve much outside of turning a bad situation worse. As somebody who has incurred his fair share of suspensions in his decorated career, Green is as credible a source on the matter as anyone in the league.
“What I will say is this. I am not a big fan of suspending your top guys. As a guy who’s been suspended through the years, I don’t think it does much of anything outside of pissing the guys off,” the fiery forward said on his podcast. “And so when you’re talking your first and most important player and you’re suspending that guy, like there’s always the possibility of like there’s no coming back from that.”
Ja’s arrival in Memphis in 2019 has helped the Grizzlies usher in a new era for the franchise. Following the demise of the “Grit and Grind” era, the team endured a few dismal seasons. However, Morant’s spectacular play rejuvenated the team and elevated them back to contender status in the West. Unfortunately, his off-court troubles have stalled the point guard’s meteoric rise, and his recent conflict with the Grizzlies’ coach will not do him any favors.
Is Morant’s time in Memphis coming to an end?
Green believes the storm has been brewing for a while now, since the team fired head coach Taylor Jenkins nine games before the start of the playoffs last season. Jenkins was popular amongst the players, especially Morant and big man Jaren Jackson Jr.
“So when you see this, this leaves you in a space of is this the beginning of the end? And it takes you back to Taylor Jenkins getting fired and them hiring the assistant, just bumping the assistant coach up. It takes you back to that, and you wonder, was that the beginning of the end?” Green quipped.
“You just up and fire him, you’re almost signaling to Ja and possibly Jaren that you really don’t give a damn what they think about who’s coaching them. And so that right there would definitely be the beginning of the end,” he speculated.
As someone who has gone through team-imposed disciplinary sanctions before, Green revealed that this tactic can only go one of two ways: either Morant will come out with more focus or he’ll be more lethargic than ever before.
“Once the suspension happens, then there’s a level of trust that’s broken. Because also now you’re taking money out of my pockets. And so there’s a level of trust that’s broken once the suspensions start being levied,” Dray stated. “And so again, you have to ask yourself the question of what’s next. If the trust is being broken, you already don’t know what the trust was before. But whatever it was, if it was good, it’s gone down. If it was bad, it’s gone from bad to worse with a suspension.”
Morant is undeniably one of the best guards in the NBA and players of his caliber don’t grow on trees. However, the question now on everyone’s minds is whether he’s more trouble than he’s worth. While Ja’s talent on the court is unquestionable, his behavior off the court has raised some concerns and questions about whether he’s the player the Grizzlies can rely on to take them to the next level.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Nov 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.