Ja Morant believes reporters should be focusing on the 2025 NBA Finals rather than the status of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court in the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center... Morant and the Grizzlies have been at the forefront of the offseason so far, as his future and the team's future remain in limbo.

The timing of the backlash is critical. The Grizzlies shocked the league by trading Bane, a 25-year-old two-way star who averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and a pick swap.