The Memphis Grizzlies' decision to trade franchise star Ja Morant has drawn a fiery warning from his father, Tee Morant, who promises a 'reckoning' when the teams meet. This drama unfolds as the Grizzlies prepare for their next preseason fixture, coming off a 104-100 victory over the Chicago Bulls on October 9, 2026. The team's preseason slate has been a mixed bag, with a 132-123 win over Atlanta on October 5 and a 122-118 loss to Orlando on October 7.
Tee Morant did not hold back in his criticism of the Grizzlies' front office for the deal that sent his son to the Portland Trail Blazers. He made his feelings clear on his podcast, drawing a line between the city and the organization. "I don't have a bad thing to say about Memphis, because it wasn't Memphis that traded [Ja], and we don't trade Memphis," Tee Morant stated. "It was the organization that felt like they was going down another path, and I guess we didn't belong." He then issued a direct challenge. "It's no hard feelings, but when we get on that court, you better know it's a reckoning."
The trade itself sent shockwaves. In June, Memphis dealt the two-time All-Star guard to Portland for forwards Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. No draft picks were included. The move ended Morant's seven-year run with the Grizzlies, where he averaged 22.4 points and 7.4 assists per game. For the front office, it was a chance to clear salary and commit to a younger core.
Ja Morant's tenure in Memphis ended under a cloud. His final seasons were marked by off-court controversies, including multiple league suspensions for brandishing firearms on social media. He missed 25 games to start the 2023-2024 season. His availability and production became inconsistent. Once seen as the franchise cornerstone, the relationship had soured.
From a basketball perspective, the trade allowed Memphis to acquire veteran forward Jerami Grant and young prospect Kris Murray. It provided financial flexibility. The team is now building around a new group, a process visible in their current preseason games.
Immediately, the focus is on the court. The Grizzlies host the Charlotte Hornets at home on October 16, 2026, in their next preseason matchup. These games are key for integrating new players and establishing rotations before the regular season tips off.
For Ja Morant, the page has turned. In Portland, he joins a backcourt with Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, and Scoot Henderson. He told reporters at media day that a fresh start was needed. "Everything that happened over the years pretty much was just stuck with me; everyone just keeps bringing [those things] up," Morant said. "As long as Memphis was across my chest it was still getting said." Blazers GM Joe Cronin expressed strong belief in Morant's future contributions.
The Grizzlies' path forward is now distinct. The preseason results show a team finding its rhythm. The win over Chicago, led by contributions across the roster, is a positive step. But Tee Morant's warning adds a compelling layer to the NBA calendar. Whenever the Blazers and Grizzlies schedule that first meeting, it will carry significant emotional weight for all involved.
