🏀 DONE DEAL: Ja Morant Re-Signs a 5-Year, $197 Million Contract with Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies have secured their franchise cornerstone. Ja Morant has officially agreed to a new 4-year extension that, when combined with the one year remaining on his current contract, ties him to the team for five years at a total value of $197 million. With this deal, Memphis not only ensures the services of one of the NBA’s most electrifying guards, but also signals that the franchise is committed to building around him for the foreseeable future.
💰 Contract Structure and Guarantees
Ja Morant’s contract extension includes fully guaranteed salaries, with no opt-outs or team options reported at this time. The structure combines the final year of his rookie max extension with four additional years, beginning in the 2025–26 NBA season.
Here’s how the deal breaks down:
Total value: $197 million over 5 years
Fully guaranteed
15% trade kicker, protecting Morant from being moved without compensation
Annual salary: expected to escalate each year, beginning around $39 million and topping over $45 million in the final year
Originally, Morant had signed a max extension in 2022 that could have reached $231 million if he had been selected to an All-NBA team. He missed out on that bonus, keeping the deal at a lower guaranteed figure—but still among the largest in franchise history.
🔁 From Rising Star to Franchise Leader
Ja Morant has been the face of the Grizzlies since he was selected second overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. In his five seasons with Memphis, he’s turned the team into a Western Conference contender, averaging 22.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game during that span. His jaw-dropping athleticism and fearless play have made him not only a fan favorite but one of the league’s top draws on national television.
Despite missing several games due to injuries and league-imposed suspensions in recent seasons, Morant has proven to be a transformational talent. When healthy, his presence changes the dynamic of the Grizzlies’ offense, giving them a true superstar to rally around.
🧩 Why the Grizzlies Made the Move
By extending Morant now, the Grizzlies are doing two important things:
1. Securing the core: With Morant and fellow cornerstone Jaren Jackson Jr. both under long-term contracts, Memphis is locking in its competitive window.
2. Stability and commitment: Amid questions about Morant’s off-court conduct and injury history, this extension shows the team’s belief in his maturity, growth, and ability to lead.
It also gives the franchise much-needed stability after a turbulent season. Memphis failed to make a deep playoff run in 2024 due in part to Morant’s limited availability. This new deal resets expectations and reinforces that Morant remains the centerpiece of the Grizzlies’ long-term strategy.
🚨 Risk and Reward
The contract comes with both upside and risk. On one hand, if Morant remains healthy and focused, he could be one of the top five point guards in the league for years to come. His production, leadership, and popularity can elevate Memphis into perennial playoff relevance.
On the other hand, the Grizzlies are banking heavily on Morant’s ability to stay available and out of trouble. His suspensions due to firearm-related incidents cost him over 30 games across the past two seasons, and any further missteps could affect the value of the contract. Still, by including no team option or partial guarantee years, Memphis is showing full confidence in their star.
🏗️ What’s Next for Memphis?
Now that Morant is locked in, the Grizzlies turn their attention to building around him:
Jaren Jackson Jr. will likely be extended next, as the team looks to solidify its frontcourt.
Desmond Bane, recently traded, creates a need for another consistent scorer or defender on the wing.
Veteran presence: Memphis may look to add experienced locker room leaders to help Morant and the young core stay on course.
With a strong mix of youth, defense, and star power, Memphis is betting that this group, led by Morant, can eventually compete for a championship.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Ja Morant’s 5-year, $197 million extension is more than just a financial agreement—it’s a declaration. The Memphis Grizzlies believe that Morant is not only their best player but also their best hope for bringing the city its first NBA title.
With the deal in place, the clock starts now. Morant has the security and the trust of the organization. Now, it’s up to him to lead the Grizzlies to the next level.
