Ja Morant Offered Grizzlies Escape Route as Ex-NFL Star Reveals Private Conversation With Pat Riley Amid Trade Rumors

Two-time NBA All-Star Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies are not on good terms. He was offered an escape route by former NFL player Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, who revealed what appeared to be private conversations with Miami Heat president Pat Riley amid reports of an exit from Memphis.

Ochocinco asserted that he had firsthand knowledge that the Miami Heat is working behind the scenes to acquire Morant. He added that Morant’s unhappiness in Memphis will get it done.

“I talked to Pat Riley,” Ochocinco said. [Start from 1:09:00]. “Last year, we weren’t able to make it happen. But now, the fact that Ja [Morant] is not happy in Memphis. We’re trying to do all we can. … and see if it’s possible that we can get Ja down here to Miami.”

Morant was suspended on Saturday for one game by the Grizzlies. His suspension was a result of “conduct detrimental to the team” after a post-game interaction with coach Tuomas Iisalo that reportedly involved Morant being dismissive when Iisalo challenged his leadership and effort.

In a loss against the LA Lakers, Morant had one of his worst statistical performances. His body language and post-game comments were taken as signs of frustration. That has stirred up trade rumors with the Heat among the teams linked.

He marked his return from suspension on Monday night. The 2020 Rookie of the Year scored 18 points as the Grizzlies lost 114-106 to the Detroit Pistons.

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Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony advises Ja Morant

NBA legend Carmelo Anthony advised Ja Morant on how to handle the situation between him and the Grizzlies. Melo said this Monday’s edition of “NBA Showtime” on NBC.

“The good thing is it’s early on in the season and we can still sit down and get ahead of this,” Anthony said. “Ja has to man up. He’s been through all of this before. This is something new. You are being tested again to see if you are going to fold or if you are going to stand the test of time."

"The coach is testing you," he added. "The city, the fans are testing you. Take ownership of your part, and still go out there and do what you have got to do because you are not traded yet."

This will not be the first time Ja Morant is in the news for disciplinary reasons. He was suspended for 25 games during the 2023/2024 season for gun-related violations and was fined last season for a finger-gun celebration.