Grizzlies All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. shared a cold-shoulder secret for motivating Ja Morant through tough games.

The NBA’s new 65-game rule has sidelined some of the league’s brightest stars, leaving fans and analysts debating its fairness. Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama, Ja Morant, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George—all marquee names—have been ruled ineligible for awards due to injuries that kept them below the 65-game threshold.

But that opportunity for a big swing may not be too far away for Utah. The next star who could be on the move may have already found himself in some shocking early trade chatter ahead of this offseason –– that being Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant.

ESPN’s Stephen A Smith named Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant among his top five players who need to show up in this year’s NBA playoffs. After Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins disagreed with ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins’ hierarchy take about Memphis, Perkins’ colleague called out Morant with a playoff challenge.

“Jaren Jackson Jr. can’t be your best player in a seven-game series. Ja Morant needs to be that guy.” @KendrickPerkins says the Grizzlies can’t go “toe-to-toe” with top West teams if ...

The 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest was inspiring enough to make Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant wish he were involved. Orlando Magic two-way dunking sensation Mac McClung won the contest on Saturday night for the third consecutive time, and Morant was watching closely.

Before it was over, NBA star and explosive dunker Ja Morant posted to social media that McClung’s performance may have convinced Morant to step forward next year. Morant tweeted, “mac might make

He told Morant that if he did it, Antetokounmpo would as well. The two-time MVP also joked about his preparation. Antetokounmpo competed in the 2015 contest alongside LaVine, but the Bucks forward ...