Kevin Durant’s Trash Talk Highlights Tensions Between Ja Morant and the Grizzlies
Key Takeaways:
- Kevin Durant engaged in light-hearted trash talk with Tee Morant, Ja Morant’s father, during the Rockets’ recent game against the Grizzlies.
- Durant’s comments alluded to the evident tension between Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies organization.
- The Houston Rockets, currently on a five-game winning streak and leading the league in offensive rating, are not expected to pursue Ja Morant if he becomes available for trade, as Amen Thompson is performing well as their point guard.
- The Grizzlies are currently struggling, with a four-game losing streak, further highlighting the issues within the team.
The Houston Rockets’ recent victory over the Memphis Grizzlies was notable not just for the on-court performance, but also for some courtside banter involving Rockets star Kevin Durant. Durant, known for his skillful trolling both on and off the court, engaged in some light-hearted trash talk with Tee Morant, father of Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant, during a break in the game.
The exchange, captured in a TikTok video, revealed Durant walking towards Tee Morant and stating, "Your son don’t wanna be here." The comment elicited laughter from Morant and his friends sitting nearby. Durant continued, seemingly adding, "We know it’s your last weekend. Enjoy your time." The interaction, while playful, underscores the growing tension between Ja Morant and the Grizzlies.
The tension between Morant and the Grizzlies has been building, highlighted by Morant’s recent suspension by the team for detrimental conduct. The two-time All-Star’s future with the team has become a subject of speculation, and Durant’s comments seem to acknowledge this uncertainty. Durant, a 15-time All-Star and future Hall of Famer, is known for his ability to deliver witty remarks, often designed to entertain rather than offend. This instance appears to fit that pattern, serving as a lighthearted commentary on a developing situation.
As for the on-court aspect, the Rockets have been on a roll, winning five consecutive games. Durant has been instrumental in their success, leading the team in scoring. The team’s winning streak is currently tied for the NBA’s longest active streak of the 2025-26 season. In contrast, the Grizzlies have struggled, losing four straight games, which represents the second-longest current skid in the league. This contrast in performance only exacerbates the existing issues within the Grizzlies organization.
Looking ahead, if Morant does become available for trade, the Rockets, despite their high-powered offense and impressive ranking as No. 1 in the league in offensive and overall net rating, are not expected to express interest. This is primarily due to the promising performance of their new point guard, Amen Thompson. Thompson’s contributions have been significant, and his play during the recent game against the Grizzlies further solidified his role in the Rockets’ lineup. His success means the Rockets have no need for Ja Morant.
Ultimately, the encounter between Durant and Tee Morant serves as a microcosm of the larger issues surrounding Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies. Whether a parting of ways is imminent remains to be seen, but the current atmosphere, as observed by Durant, is far from ideal. The Rockets, meanwhile, continue to build momentum with their winning streak and the strong play of Amen Thompson, positioning themselves as a force in the league, with or without the potential addition of Ja Morant.