How the Memphis Grizzlies treated Ja Morant during their "Fan Appreciation Night" show how they no longer value him as much as they used to. Morant was once touted as the savior of the Grizzlies franchise, but after a series of disappointments, the feelings are no longer there. And it seems they no longer want him there.
However, if you ask ESPN's Kendrick Perkins , it's not only the Grizzlies who have had enough with Ja and his antics. Big Perk says the league has lost its faith in Morant, too.
"It ain't just Memphis that's trending off Ja Morant ," said Perkins. "It's the league. So you realize that they were trying to trade him at the trade deadline. And when nobody wanted him, they were asking Memphis to attach a first-round pick just for them to take Ja. That's how he's viewed in today's game."
It was only a couple of years ago when Ja said he was 'fine in the West' and the Grizzlies looked like they were the team of the future. However, after 'West' turned into 'Wild, Wild West' when Ja had two infamous gun incidents that had him suspended by the league, he has fallen hard from grace.
Earlier this year, Morant was suspended one game after a post-game verbal exchange with his head coach. Although it appeared they had kissed and made up, reports indicated the Grizzlies explored moving Ja at last February's trade deadline. However, they could not find a suitable partner. Perkins claims teams asked for a first-rounder to take in Ja. He says that proves his value isn't there anymore.
"Aye, man, the NBA don't need you, bro," Perk added. You're a hell of a talent. I'm speaking to you f–k as a media personality. Nah, bro, I'm actually coming at you as a real one. Hey, bro, the NBA don't need you."
At 25-57, the Grizzlies finished with the 6th worst record in the league this season and will head to next month's NBA Draft Lottery with a 9 percent chance of bagging the No.1 overall pick. With at least four players expected to be franchise player-type prospects, the 2026 NBA Draft Class is considered very deep. And depending on how the basketball gods smile at them, Memphis could be picking its next franchise player this coming June, further shoving Morant out.
"If he don't get his s–t together, he's gonna be one of the biggest disappointments in NBA history…The trade deadline should've been a wake-up call. Now this s–t that happened in Memphis should've been another wake-up call. If they can't trade him, he ain't going to be back in Memphis next year, so we could take that how we take it," Perkins shared when discussing Morant's future in the league
But Perkins doesn't just think that Ja will be out of Memphis. He believes that if Morant does not get his act together soon, wherever that city may be, he could be out of the NBA in a couple of years. The league is getting younger. Fresh talent is coming year after year. Teams no longer value franchise players as much as they used to. If the Mavs traded Luka and the Hawks ' Trae Young , what more for Ja?
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Apr 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
