Why the end is inevitably near for Ja Morant and the Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are clearly rebuilding, trading away franchise cornerstones Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. within the last year.

While he was often discussed as a potential trade candidate as well, Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant currently remains with Memphis. That, however, is not expected to last much longer after his team failed to miss the postseason in the Western Conference.

Armed with at least one lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and potentially another at least near that range coming from the Orlando Magic via the Bane trade, a divorce is now a matter of "if" and not "when" between Morant and the team that drafted him.

The Grizzlies are clearly going younger and a different direction and Morant knows he is not a part of those plans. Here is more from Tim MacMahon and Michael C. Wright (via ESPN):

"Morant still hasn't gotten over the suspension, multiple league sources said, because he felt alienated by teammates, who were told to leave the star guard alone so he could work through the issues that had led to the suspension. In the aftermath, Morant told players around the league and some of his former coaches that he isn't playing for Memphis anymore, sources said."

Morant was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team to the team this season following a confrontation with Memphis head coach Tuomas Iisalo. He and the Grizzlies are clearly not on the same page and continue to have conflict within the organization.

While his return package may look like what the Hawks received for , which is not much more than expiring matching salary and a decent rotation player, rivals believe the guard will drum up some interest.