The Memphis Grizzlies’ decision to part ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins just before the end of the regular season serves as a clear indication that Ja Morant remains the centerpiece of their franchise.
The move suggests that the organization is actively working to reorient its offensive philosophy around Morant after straying from that approach throughout the season.
Along with Jenkins, assistant coach Noah LaRoche was also let go, reinforcing the idea that the Grizzlies are initiating a reset designed to maximize Morant’s impact on the court.
NBA insider Tim MacMahon shed light on the motivation behind the coaching change, emphasizing its connection to Morant’s role within the team.
“This decision to do it now and to move on from LaRoche, and to lean back into all the pick and roll stuff… this was a decision that was about optimizing Ja Morant,” MacMahon explained. “That was a primary motivator for this decision.”
MacMahon also addressed ongoing speculation surrounding Morant’s future with the franchise, noting that questions had lingered throughout the season about his long-term commitment to Memphis.
“And look, there has been noise about Ja being unhappy all season long. There has been noise about, ‘Hey, you know, could Memphis look to move Ja this summer? Could Ja look to get out of Memphis this summer? Could Ja look to force a trade, or at least request a trade? And would Memphis shop him this summer?’ There’s been a lot of that.”
MacMahon then shared insight from an NBA general manager, who initially believed the Grizzlies were preparing to explore trade options for Morant but saw the coaching change as a major shift in direction.
“I was texting with a GM after this happened and he said, ‘I would have told you I thought they were definitely going to [shop him]. Ja was out on them. They won games without him. They have to be sustainable.’ And he said, ‘This is a move that goes in the face of that.'”
Ultimately, the Grizzlies’ decision to fire Jenkins signals a reaffirmation of their commitment to Morant as the focal point of the franchise. Rather than considering a future without their star guard, Memphis appears to be making a concerted effort to rebuild their system around him.
“Basically, this is a ‘Hey Ja, you’re still our guy. Everything we do is going to be based on what’s best for you. What optimizes you,'” MacMahon concluded. “They got away from that for a lot of this season and they’re leaning back hard into it.”
With this move, the Grizzlies are making it clear that their priority is to reestablish Morant as the engine of their team, potentially putting to rest speculation about his dissatisfaction and future with the organization.
Optimizing Ja Morant Considered 'Primary Motivator' For Grizzlies Firing Taylor Jenkins https://t.co/3ZdSrKxcPs
— RealGM (@RealGM) March 31, 2025
