As the Memphis Grizzlies continue to adjust their roster during the offseason, star player Ja Morant is deliberately keeping his distance from the team’s personnel changes. Morant, a two-time <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA All-Star, has made it clear that he is not involving himself mentally or physically in the recent player movements.
Throughout this offseason, the Grizzlies have made significant adjustments, including the trading of key players and changes in leadership. One notable departure is Desmond Bane, who spent five seasons alongside Morant in the backcourt. Bane was traded to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and several draft picks, marking one of the earliest major transactions of the offseason.
Additionally, Luke Kennard, Morant’s backup point guard, signed with the Atlanta Hawks as a free agent. To strengthen the guard position, Memphis added Ty Jerome, formerly with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who has reportedly agreed to a three-year contract. These roster moves follow Dillon Brooks’ transfer to the Houston Rockets last year, collectively reshaping the team that reached the playoffs three consecutive times under Morant’s leadership early last decade.
The changes extend beyond players, as Memphis also replaced longtime head coach Taylor Jenkins with Tuomas Iisalo late in the previous season. Jenkins had been with the Grizzlies during Morant’s entire career so far, adding another layer of uncertainty to the team’s new direction.
Despite these upheavals, Morant will continue to play alongside Jaren Jackson Jr., who was recently re-signed by Memphis. Still, the overall lineup for the upcoming season looks very different from what Morant has known, contributing to his sense of isolation during this transition.
Ja Morant openly acknowledges his distance from the team’s offseason changes
In a pair of tweets posted on Friday, Morant expressed his decision to stay removed from the ongoing roster shifts. He referred to himself as a “popular loner” and added,
“so mentally & physically i stay far away,”
highlighting his choice not to engage with the team’s offseason maneuvering at this time.
Morant’s farewell to former teammate Yuki Kawamura
Among the teammates Morant has recently parted ways with is Yuki Kawamura, a spirited guard from Japan who signed with the Chicago Bulls’ Summer League team. Morant acknowledged their connection and said a brief goodbye in another tweet, writing, “yukix12 dont die.” This shows a personal side of Morant amid the distance he maintains from broader team developments.
With more than three months remaining before the 2025-26 NBA season begins, Morant has ample time to build new relationships and acclimate to the changing roster. How this evolving dynamic will impact the Grizzlies remains to be seen, but Morant’s current detachment indicates a deliberate focus on his own preparation away from the team’s restructuring efforts.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ja Morant really 6-2?
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