The Memphis Grizzlies fell to the New York Knicks 133–120 at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night, dropping to 4–8 on the season - a start that continues to fuel the ongoing trade rumors surrounding star guard Ja Morant.
While Morant appears set to remain in Memphis for now, the Grizzlies' struggles raise questions about how long the franchise can afford to keep rolling out the same core if the results don't change. Over the past few seasons, it's become increasingly clear that the current roster - even with minor tweaks - might not be enough to push Memphis over the hump in a loaded Western Conference.
Morant is currently in the third year of the five-year, $197.2 million extension he signed in 2022. Following his 16-point, 10-rebound performance against the Knicks, one fan shouted in his direction, "Come to New York!" - prompting a quick and unmistakable response from Morant.
While walking into the tunnel, Morant simply shouted back, "I'm cool."
NBA fans had some strong reactions to Morant’s response.
“You know what the Knicks really don't need?? Ja Morant,” a fan said.
Someone else added: “Why the [explicit] would we want him?”
Another person wrote: “he's [explicit]. And wouldn't be able to keep up with NY media.”
“You see Ja have one of the worst performances of a star ever and ask ‘come to NY’ ight bro,” one more fan commented.
So far this season, through the Grizzlies' first 12 games, Morant hasn't been particularly effective on the court, and it's played a major role in Memphis' struggles. He recorded 10 turnovers in Tuesday night's loss to the Knicks while shooting just 4-for-22 from the field and 1-for-10 from beyond the arc.
Over the last five games, Morant has surpassed the 20-point mark only once and has shot below 45% from the field in each of those contests. During that stretch, the Grizzlies have gone 1-4 and have now dropped six of their last seven overall.
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