The Grizzlies are in the midst of a stretch of nine out of 10 losses, and it all began with Ja Morant's postgame comments about the coaching staff that led to a one-game suspension. Morant connected on a game-winning floater with 7.3 seconds remaining to help the Grizzlies defeat the Phoenix Suns and move on to a 3-2 record before the fall off.
What has followed has been constant trade speculation as many determine whether he was trying to force his way out, or if the Grizzlies would be interested in moving on after standing with him throughout his rough patches over the years. Then, once everything settled and the team was able to trot out their projected starting lineup for the first time this season, he left the game early with a calf injury that will hold him out for the next two weeks.
With his injury history and his struggles on the court this season, the noise started to gain steam again for a potential change. While the team has maintained that they plan to move forward with him as the franchise cornerstone, Morant did his part to shut down his discontent with the organization.
Memphis and Morant are locked together for better or worse
Ja Morant has had a big social media presence throughout his NBA career, and pledged his allegiance to Memphis this summer when trade speculation began after the team traded away Desmond Bane. Now, since the recent rumblings have been manifesting, Morant has consistently made Instagram stories displaying himself as a member of the Grizzlies.
His most recent Instagram story displayed a picture of the Grizzlies logo he has tattooed with the emoji of a house on top of the logo. This came after his two-week injury timeline announcement and report from television broadcaster and journalist Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson, who mentioned that Ja has been loyal everywhere he's been throughout his hoops journey.
"That MF loves Memphis" was the quote he received from a source with direct knowledge of Morant and his situation with Memphis. Ja Morant's actions have consistently reinforced this notion, and the Grizzlies organization has seemed to stand its ground on making him available for trade.
Morant has three years remaining on his contract, and the team extended Jaren Jackson Jr. to a five-year contract this summer as their franchise cornerstones. A bad start to a long season doesn't change their perception of their long-term goals for the franchise with Morant at the helm.