Ex-NFL MVP Concerned Ja Morant Bolts Grizzlies for Powerhouse Franchise, Calls Memphis a 'Blessing' for Polarizing Guard

Trade speculations continue to swirl around Ja Morant after the Memphis Grizzlies suspended him on Sunday for conduct detrimental to the team. The rumors increased when he told reporters two nights later that he no longer had his usual “joy” playing basketball.

Although Morant insisted that he has a good relationship with team ownership, ESPN reported that "his body language and demeanor belied the words."

Cam Newton, the 2015 NFL MVP, tossed in his thoughts on the Morant situation on Thursday via his “4th&1” podcast:

“What will scare me the most, if Ja Morant goes to a major city, Atlanta, Miami, New York, Dallas, LA. … He’s been able to find ways to get in trouble in Memphis! Just imagine if he had access to the distractions in Miami, Atlanta, New York. For him, Memphis is where you need to be, bro.”

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Newton played for the Carolina Panthers from 2011 to 2019. He called it a “blessing” to play for a city that “shuts down at 8 p.m.” Newton emphatically added:

“Ja, your Charlotte is Memphis. Understand that that’s a blessing in its own right.”

Morant has not requested a trade and responded with a “We’ll see” to reporters when asked how he could get his joy back. Cam Newton advised the point guard to “make it right” with the team to stay in Memphis.

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Ja Morant’s struggles have grown since his suspension

Ja Morant served the one-game suspension handed by the Memphis Grizzlies in the team’s 117-104 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. Grizzlies coach Tomas Iisalo refused to discuss Morant’s return on Monday in a clash with the Detroit Pistons. Iisalo told reporters that they were ready to beat the visiting team.

The coach spoke too soon as the Grizzlies limped to a 114-106 loss. Morant had 18 points on 5-for-16 shooting, including a 0-for-4 clip from deep.

Two nights later, Memphis failed to defend its home court again, losing 124-109 to the Houston Rockets. Ja Morant contributed 17 points, needing 19 shots to get his tally. Morant missed all but one of his seven 3-point attempts.

Since returning from suspension, the former All-Star is averaging 17.5 points, 9.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 5.5 turnovers. The athletic guard is making just 31.4% of his field goals, including a horrendous 9.1% from behind the arc.

Ja Morant’s struggles, icy demeanor toward the coach and so-so performances will only add fuel to the trade talks surrounding him.

Edited by Michael Macasero