What a difference three years can make in the NBA. Once the face of a 56-win contender, Ja Morant now finds himself at the center of tension in Memphis. Once known for his infectious energy and connection with teammates, Morant has become visibly more subdued as friction grows between him and new head coach Tuomas Iisalo. The Ja Morant-Tuomas Lisalo feud has quickly become one of the league’s most talked-about storylines.
Inside the Growing Rift Between Ja Morant and Coach Tuomas Iisalo
According to reporting from Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Memphis Grizzlies’ early-season struggles have only worsened the divide. The team sits at 4–6 after ten games, and though they snapped a four-game skid against Dallas, signs of discontent remain. Siegel revealed that Morant was strongly opposed to the firing of Taylor Jenkins, the most successful coach in franchise history with a 250–214 record.
“Morant always held high respect for Jenkins and his coaching philosophy,” Siegel noted. “While they did have their fair share of arguments, the two were always able to move past the differences and put the Grizzlies in a spot to succeed.”
The Breakdown of Trust
The problems began when general manager Zach Kleiman reshaped the coaching staff late into last season, installing Iisalo as head coach to execute his vision of a deeper, more balanced rotation. That approach immediately clashed with Morant’s desire for rhythm and control. “The constant in-and-out substitutions Iisalo had been making through the first two weeks of the 2025–26 season began to impact Morant mentally,” Siegel wrote.
The breaking point came during an NBA Cup game against the Lakers. Memphis led by 14 at halftime, but Iisalo challenged Morant’s energy in the locker room, asking him to lift the team’s spirit. “This did not sit well with Morant,” the report added. His play faltered in the second half, and the Grizzlies lost 117–112.
Afterward, tempers flared. “Iisalo singled Morant out for his lack of effort and leadership,” Siegel reported. “Voices were raised during this postgame locker room session, and it ended with Morant essentially telling Iisalo that the constant substitutions were not working and they were the reason for everyone’s lack of enthusiasm in the second half.”
That exchange marked the clearest public fracture yet in the dynamic between Ja Morant and Tuomas Lisalo. Morant was suspended one game for “conduct detrimental to the team.” After returning, his comments raised eyebrows. Asked if he still felt the same joy that defined his career, he responded flatly: “No.”
The Front Office’s Role
Kleiman’s fingerprints are all over this situation. ClutchPoints reported that he wanted the team to protect player health by cutting minutes and increasing rotation depth. He also wanted younger players like Scotty Pippen Jr., and Vince Williams Jr. to see expanded roles. “Kleiman was a big fan of Jake LaRavia,” Siegel noted, “who never really solidified himself in Jenkins’ rotations. Now, LaRavia is a core part of the Lakers’ success this season.”
The decision to fire Jenkins, insiders say, wasn’t due to locker room friction but to Kleiman’s growing impatience. Iisalo, who led one of Europe’s top offenses to a 20–1 season, represented a philosophical shift — one Kleiman wanted immediately implemented. But that shift has clashed with the leadership and rhythm of the team’s star.
What Comes Next for Memphis
For now, there’s no indication that Kleiman plans to trade Morant. Likewise, the point guard hasn’t asked out. Still, the Ja Morant and Tuomas Lisalo rift remains like an ugly sticking thumb. Despite getting a win against Dallas on Friday, Morant’s body language belied his solid double-double contribution.
If a trade were ever explored, Memphis could command a massive haul. With four first-round draft picks already secured from the Desmond Bane deal, moving Morant for more assets could accelerate a rebuild. The team would still have Jaren Jackson Jr., a young Defensive Player of the Year, as a cornerstone.
But the Grizzlies remain hopeful that this story ends differently. Despite the tension, Kleiman reportedly still sees a path forward with Morant leading the next era of Memphis basketball. The only question is whether his relationship with Iisalo can survive the season — and whether this conflict becomes the defining chapter of a once-promising partnership.
Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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