Coach Iisalo sidesteps trade rumors as star guard remains sidelined with injury. Focus shifts to the game amid swirling speculation.
The Memphis Grizzlies arrived at Friday night’s matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder with their focus pulled in multiple directions, balancing a difficult stretch on the court with growing questions about the future of their franchise guard.
Just hours after reports surfaced that the Grizzlies would consider trade offers for Ja Morant, head coach Tuomas Iisalo made clear he would not engage publicly with the speculation.
Speaking before tipoff against the Thunder, Iisalo emphasized preparation over rumor as Memphis prepared to face the defending NBA champions without its star guard.
Iisalo said he would not comment on reports regarding Morant’s status with the organization, adding that the team’s attention was centered on the task at hand.
“I’m not going to comment on any reports on the internet or somewhere else,” Iisalo said. “We have a tough task tonight of facing the NBA champions and we’re fully locked in to that.”
Morant, who was already ruled out ahead of the game, missed his fourth straight contest due to a right calf contusion. His designation marked a notable shift from earlier in the week, when he was listed as questionable before being ruled out closer to game time in Memphis’ Jan. 7 loss to Phoenix. Against Oklahoma City, Morant was listed as out on the initial injury report.
Asked about the apparent change in Morant’s availability status, Iisalo offered little additional clarity, reiterating only that the injury has continued to prevent the guard from playing.
“The calf contusion is still bothering him and he’s not able to play,” Iisalo said. “That’s why he’s out.”
The timing of Morant’s continued absence has drawn increased scrutiny, particularly as league sources have indicated that Memphis is open to listening to offers for the former All-Star for the first time in his career. While the Grizzlies have not signaled an urgency to move Morant, the willingness to take calls represents a significant shift for an organization that has long viewed him as its cornerstone.
Morant has appeared in just 18 games this season, missing 20 of Memphis’ first 38 contests with a series of injuries. When available, he has averaged 19.0 points, 7.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game, but his limited availability has coincided with a challenging stretch for the Grizzlies as they attempt to stay competitive in the Western Conference.
Beyond Friday night, questions also lingered about Morant’s presence with the team as Memphis prepares for an unusual stretch on the schedule. The Grizzlies are set to face the Brooklyn Nets on Jan. 11 before traveling overseas for a pair of international games against the Orlando Magic in Berlin and London.
When asked whether Morant would be with the team for those games, Iisalo said he had not been informed otherwise, though he noted he had not yet seen Morant at the facility prior to Friday’s contest.
“I haven’t gotten any information to the opposite of that, so I expect that to be the case,” Iisalo said. “I haven’t seen him yet in the facility.”
For now, Memphis continues to operate in a holding pattern — without its star guard on the floor and with its long-term plans under increasing examination. While Iisalo has sought to keep the focus on preparation and performance, Morant’s injury status and the growing trade chatter surrounding him remain intertwined as the Grizzlies move deeper into a pivotal stretch of the season.