Annual salary of 39.45 million US dollars, 0 of 20 three-pointers! Morant made it clear, a big deal is coming

The new NBA season has only started for a few days, and the league's landscape is changing rapidly. Some teams have encountered waterloo, and the star players are determined to kill the enemy but are unable to save their lives, which makes people lament their misfortune and anger them! In the West, the New Orleans Pelicans have suffered a 6-game losing streak and are ranked first from the bottom. In the process, the Pelicans lost 109 points in 6 games and suffered 30+ defeats in 3 games! In the words of the US media, the Pelicans coaching change should be put on the agenda. Pelicans star Zion is not alone. He missed 1 game due to injury. In 5 games he played, he averaged 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2 steals per game. After Zion lost weight, the king of the penalty area was less lethal than before, and Zion was once again downgraded to doubtful due to a hamstring injury. It is difficult for you to believe that the weak version of Fat Tiger can lead the Pelicans to fly high.

Fat tiger Zion is struggling, and Morant, the second-place finisher in the same class who is regarded as a lifelong enemy, is getting worse and worse. The Grizzlies' turmoil in the past few years does not need to be described too much, especially since Morant has been suspended repeatedly due to off-court disturbances. They are no longer the "no rivals in the West" young guard, and the "No Mo Bear" is a spiritual totem. Last season, the Grizzlies' turmoil continued to escalate, with meritorious coach Jenkins sacked and assistant coach Isalo taking over. In the offseason, the Grizzlies traded up to select Coward with the 11th pick, and also traded Bane for Pope + Cole Anthony + 4 unprotected first-rounders + 1 first-round swap right. Then they extended Jaren Jackson Jr.'s contract for US$205 million in five years, Aldama's contract extension for US$52.5 million in three years, and poached Jerome from the Cavaliers for US$28 million in three years.

Everything is ready, but what awaits the Grizzlies is a wave of injuries. Eddie, Pippen Jr., Jerome, and Clark have not yet made their season debut. So far this season, the Grizzlies have only achieved a record of 3 wins and 5 losses, ranking 12th in the Western Conference. In this process, the Grizzlies, under the transformation of Isalo, focused on team bombing basketball and pursuing speed and passion! So far this season, the Grizzlies have averaged 103.3 possessions per game, ranking 7th in the league! The Grizzlies' 11-man rotation continued to the end, ranking first in the league in bench scoring (49.4 points). However, this kind of egalitarian basketball seems beautiful, but it has touched the cheese of the star player Morant!

After the Lakers VS Grizzlies game, Morant openly challenged the coach during an interview in the locker room. He bluntly said: Why I didn't play well, I have to ask the coaching staff. According to the coaching staff, they didn't want me to play at all. Morant stirred up waves with one stone, but the Grizzlies did not tolerate him at all and issued him a one-game suspension overnight. According to calculations by NBA salary experts, Morant's annual salary for the new season is US$39.45 million. A one-game suspension means he will lose more than US$270,000. Morant played in the game against the Pistons after his suspension was lifted, but he was not interested in playing at all. The Grizzlies naturally had no fighting ability and suffered a three-game losing streak.

Compared with wins and losses and Morant's personal performance, his relationship with the head coach and the team is the focus of attention. Morant made it clear in an interview after the game. He said bluntly: I have nothing to say. I have lost the fun of playing as usual. Let us wait and see! Morant hesitated to speak, with an unhappy face, but he did not choose to be tough as before. After all, according to the speed and intensity of the Grizzlies' previous punishments to him, he may be suspended again if he is not careful. A one-game suspension means a loss of 270,000 US dollars. Who can't deal with money?

Morant has three years and US$126 million left on his contract, and his reputation and strength are also at a low point. Since the 2022-23 season, Morant has suffered constant injuries and off-court troubles. He has never played 7 consecutive games for the Grizzlies. In the new season, Morant played 7 games, averaging 20.4 points + 3.6 rebounds + 7.1 assists + 1 steal per game, shooting 39.3% from the field and only 13.9% from three-point range. According to statistics, in the four games in which the Grizzlies lost and Morant played, Morant made 0 of 20 three-pointers, which is jaw-dropping. Morant's defense has always been questioned, and now he has lost the ability to shoot three-pointers. I can only use 8 words to describe him: It's a pity to give up if it's tasteless!

In this regard, Dream Green pointedly pointed out: The Grizzlies don’t care about Morant’s thoughts at all, and he may be traded. O'Connor, a famous NBA reporter, also bluntly said: It's all over. Sell Morant to the highest bidder. The Grizzlies can correct Coward. He has the potential to become a future leader! According to NBA reporter Shams, many teams are paying close attention to Morant's situation, and a big deal is coming! Fans, where do you think Morant will go next? Come and leave me a comment to discuss.