April 2024 Memphis Grizzlies Wiretap

Ja Morant Hires Mike Miller As Agent

Apr 25, 2024 12:55 PM

Ja Morant has hired Mike Miller of Lift Sports Management as his new representation. Miller also represents Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr.

Morant was previously represented by Jim Tanner.

Morant signed a five-year, $193 million extension with the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2022 offseason and cannot become a free agent until 2028.

RealGM Staff Report

Tags: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, NBA, NBA Misc Rumor

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Yuta Watanabe Intends To Play In Japan Next Season

Apr 20, 2024 9:34 AM

Memphis Grizzlies forward Yuta Watanabe took to Instagram Live to share his plans for next season. Watanabe said he's leaving the NBA to return home to play in his native Japan.

Watanabe said there are many factors in his decision, including it being best for his mental health. There were no indications of what team he intends to play for. Watanabe is also expected to play for Japan at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

The 6-foot-9 forward has a $2.6 million player option with the Grizzlies for next season, which it appears that he'll decline. Watanabe was acquired by Memphis from the Phoenix Suns in a trade deadline deal. In total, Watanabe has appeared in 213 regular season NBA games over six seasons with the Grizzlies, Suns, Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets.

Keith Smith/Spotrac

Tags: Yuta Watanabe, Memphis Grizzlies, NBA, NBA Misc Rumor, International, International Misc Rumor

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Judge Rules Ja Morant Acted In Self-Defense Punching Teenager

Apr 9, 2024 2:58 PM

A Tennessee judge ruled Ja Morant fairly acted in self-defense when he punched a teenager at his home in July 2022. 

The ruling comes after a December 2023 civil immunity hearing in Memphis, where Morant testified that he "swung first" at Joshua Holloway, then 17, to protect himself during an altercation that led to Holloway filing a September 2022 lawsuit accusing Morant of assault.

The fight occurred during a pickup basketball game.

Holloway, allegedly frustrated by losing several games, was accused of throwing a one-handed pass at Morant during a check-ball situation.

The ball hit Morant in the face, after which Morant said Holloway took a step toward him and that he then stepped forward and punched Holloway.

Baxter Holmes/ESPN

Tags: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, NBA

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Grizzlies Sign Zavier Simpson, Jack White To 10-Day Contracts

Apr 9, 2024 10:56 AM

The Memphis Grizzlies have signed guard Zavier Simpson to a second 10-day contract and wing Jack White to a 10-day contract. 

Simpson (6-0, 190) has appeared in three games as a reserve for the Grizzlies and has averaged 5.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals in 24.0 minutes after signing his first 10-day contract on March 30 as a Call-Up from the NBA G League’s Motor City Cruise. 

White (6-7, 225) appeared in 29 games (23 starts) for the South Bay Lakers during the showcase and regular season and averaged 9.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists in 26.2 minutes.

RealGM Staff Report

Tags: Jack White, Zavier Simpson, Memphis Grizzlies, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

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Grizzlies Retire Marc Gasol No. 33 Jersey

Apr 7, 2024 12:56 PM

The Memphis Grizzlies retired Marc Gasol's No. 33 jersey in a ceremony on Saturday night.

Gasol is the second player to have his jersey retired by the franchise after Zach Randolph.

Gasol is the Grizzlies’ all-time leader in minutes played, games started, field goals made, free throws made, rebounds, and blocks.

Randolph, Mike Conley, and Tony Allen were also in attendance. 

NBA.com

Tags: Memphis Grizzlies, NBA

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Ja Morant Parts Ways With Agent Jim Tanner

Apr 3, 2024 3:51 PM

Ja Morant and his agent, Jim Tanner, have parted ways.

Tanner had represented Morant since he left Murray State in 2019 and became the No. 2 overall pick.

Tanner represented Morant when they negotiated a five-year, $197 million contract in 2022.

Tanner also represents Jarrett Allen, Desmond Ban, Cam Thomas andJeremy Sochan.

Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN

Tags: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, NBA, NBA Misc Rumor

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