It’s official! No more fighting! Goodbye, Morant

The Grizzlies officially announced: Morant suffered a first-degree strain of his right calf and will be reevaluated in two weeks. Calf strains are divided into several grades: Grade 1 strains usually last 1-2 weeks, Grade 2 strains 4-6 weeks, and Grade 3 strains 8-12 weeks. From this perspective, Morant's absence time is within the normal range.

However, fans in the comment area believe that the Grizzlies' move was just to protect Morant and prevent him from getting injured before the trade. It is true that Morant was injured, and it is also true that he fell out with the Grizzlies. Let’s talk about it one by one: In the game between the Grizzlies and the Cavaliers on November 16, Morant only played 6 minutes and retired early due to calf soreness.

Let’s talk about Morant’s falling out with the Grizzlies: On November 1, the Grizzlies lost to the Lakers, and Morant only scored 8 points on 3-of-14 shots. Grizzlies head coach Isalo questioned Morant's leadership and game commitment, and Morant responded on the spot. Morant said in an interview: "If you have any questions, ask the coaching staff, they don't want me to play at all."

On November 2, the Grizzlies announced that Morant was suspended for 1 game for disturbing the order of the team. Cousins ​​said: "It's time to leave. You have made your position clear by the Grizzlies' suspension!" From the suspension to before the injury, Morant played 6 games, averaging 15 points, 3.7 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 5 turnovers per game, shooting 30.3% from the field and 17.9% from the three-point range.

What is the conflict between Morant and the head coach? After Morant was lifted from the ban, the two still had zero communication. According to NBA reporter Marc J. Spears, Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.'s playing time together has been greatly reduced this season. Both of them are dissatisfied with Isalo's substitution method. But the difference is that 3J did not publicly fall out.

On July 1 this year, immediately after the free market opened, the Grizzlies renewed Jaren Jackson Jr.'s contract for $240 million for five years, with a player option for the final year. As a result, 3J was injured while running to play pick-up ball the day after the verbal agreement was reached. The Grizzlies did not use this as an excuse to lower the price and still gave him a large contract of 240 million.

The Grizzlies are interested in him enough. Even if 3J is dissatisfied, he will not make a fuss with the team. Morant does not have this treatment. During this offseason, Morant was eligible to sign a two-year, $128.4 million early contract extension, but the Grizzlies did not renew his contract. On the surface, Morant is dissatisfied with the head coach, but he is actually angry about the contract extension issue.

Morant averaged 28.8 minutes per game this season, scoring 17.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1 steal, and 3.8 turnovers. His three shooting percentages were: 35.9%, 16.7%, and 94.2%. His scoring average is the second-lowest of his career, only higher than his rookie season. The average rebounds, field goals and three-point shooting percentage per game are all career lows; the average turnovers per game are a career high!

Morant’s current contract is 193 million US dollars over five years and will not expire until the summer of 2028. Which team will Morant be sent to? He was initially linked to the Rockets. As Shepard gets better and better, the Rockets don't want to make major adjustments to the lineup. The Timberwolves and Heat are currently interested in Morant. Which team do you think he is suitable for?