Did the Memphis Grizzlies Fire Taylor Jenkins to Keep Ja Morant Happy?

NBA Trade Rumors: Did the Memphis Grizzlies Fire Taylor Jenkins to Keep Ja Morant Happy?

In a stunning move, the Memphis Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins despite being one of the highest-scoring teams in the NBA. While the decision seemed shocking at first, new reports suggest it may have been driven by one key factor—keeping Ja Morant happy.

Ja Morant’s Frustrations with the Offense

According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Memphis’ coaching change was all about optimizing Morant’s role.

"There has been noise about Ja being unhappy all season long," MacMahon said on the Hoop Collective podcast. He even hinted at trade speculation, saying there have been questions about whether Morant could request a trade or if the Grizzlies might shop him this summer.

Similarly, The Athletic reported that Memphis’ offensive scheme this season had become a point of contention, with Morant among those frustrated by the changes.

The team moved away from a pick-and-roll-heavy offense, a shift that took the ball out of Morant’s hands more frequently—something he strongly disliked.

"Morant has complained about the new scheme, which takes the ball out of his hands and removes the screens he likes to use as a ball-handler to make plays," per The Athletic.

Some sources even suggested Morant’s body language on the court fluctuated because he "hates the offense."

Why Memphis Made the Move Now

On his own podcast, The Stephen A. Smith Show, Smith doubled down, claiming that if LeBron had actually put his hands on him during their confrontation, he would have swung back.

Firing a head coach with just nine games left in the regular season is rare, but Memphis clearly felt it had no choice.

At 44-30, the Grizzlies currently sit fifth in the Western Conference, well within the playoff picture. However, general manager Zach Kleiman seemingly believed an early playoff exit was inevitable if Jenkins stayed.

What’s Next for the Grizzlies?

With Tuomas Iisalo stepping in as the interim head coach, it remains unclear whether he will stay in the role long-term. However, his appointment sends a strong message—the franchise is committed to Morant and is willing to make major changes to keep him happy.

As the postseason approaches, all eyes will be on Memphis to see if this bold decision pays off.