Austin Rivers urged a change of scenery for Ja Morant, saying the Memphis star needs a “fresh start” to reach his full potential.
Speaking on Off Guard with Austin Rivers, the former player stated, via HoopsHype, “Ja’s gotta get out of Memphis. I’ve seen it. I’ve seen the experiment. I’m over it… I would like him paired with another star. I don’t want Ja to be the best player. I don’t mind if he’s one of them.”
Rivers highlighted the importance of support around Morant, emphasizing that pairing him with a co-star could allow him to compete at a higher level. “I want him to be paired with someone he can go to battle with — realistically — and actually compete,” he said, adding that a change could also help with Morant’s marketability.
Morant has faced challenges in Memphis this season, including a one-game suspension on November 2 following a locker room confrontation with head coach Tuomas Iisalo after a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. The incident arose from Iisalo publicly questioning Morant’s leadership and effort, which led to a reaction deemed inappropriate by team officials.
Despite the suspension, Morant has been productive on the court, averaging 17.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game over 14 appearances this season. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey have also contributed significantly, averaging 17.4 points and 13.6 points, respectively, but the team sits at 12-14, underlining ongoing struggles with cohesion and consistency.
Morant’s on-court style has also clashed with Iisalo’s European-inspired rotation system, which emphasizes frequent substitutions and shared playing time. The tension has been compounded by Morant’s history of disciplinary issues, including a 33-game suspension in 2023 and a $75,000 fine for a previous on-court celebration.
Rivers suggested that a move could benefit Morant both competitively and personally. “The market for him down there — I would like him to get a whole rebrand. He is a star,” Rivers said, framing the potential change as a way to elevate Morant’s career beyond the limitations of Memphis.
The Grizzlies’ struggles this season, combined with Morant’s frustrations and Rivers’ comments, raise questions about the guard’s long-term future in Memphis. While Morant has expressed loyalty to the franchise, the dialogue around a trade or pairing with another star appears likely to continue.
