In the midst of the playoff heat, a major controversy took place in the NBA. Once again a rising star, Ja Morant was at the center of the trouble. It almost seemed like deja vu. The Memphis Grizzlies was going viral all over social media for flashing a firearm in a live video. While the circumstances might have been different, Adam Silver clarified that there would be a punishment to face.
Right as the Denver Nuggets lifted their first NBA title in franchise history, the focus shifted to what penalty Ja Morant would be facing. As the details came to the front, here is how much the Grizzlies superstar will be impacted financially due to his behavior.
Ja Morant will lose significant money
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NBA fans awaited the much-anticipated penalty Morant would have to face for his actions. In an official statement released by the NBA, they said, “Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has been suspended 25 games without pay for conduct detrimental to the league”. The announcement caused an uproar among the stans. Many believed the penalty was rather lenient given it was the second time in a span of two months the 2019 second-overall pick flashed a firearm on social media.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/dzDSb4uCk3
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 16, 2023
While arguments and debates pile on, the 23-year-old will still lose a large sum of his salary. Ja Morant is entering the first year of his $194 million rookie contract extension. According to the punishment, the suspension will cost him $7.5 million. ESPN’s Bobby Marks also noted that it amounts to $304,545 per game.
The 25-game Ja Morant suspension will cost $7.6M.
$304,545 for every game missed
Morant is entering year 1 of a $194M rookie max extension that he signed last July.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 16, 2023
Due to his endorsement deals with Nike and other major partners, Morant is likely to make that sum back. However, it could affect his standings in terms of the awards for next season. According to the new guidelines of the NBA, a player is only eligible for individual honors if they play a minimum of 65 games. It’s uncertain whether Morant’s suspension will fall under the exception of the rule.
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But given it is a penalty for his actions, it is improbable that he will be eligible for any honor next season.
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Morant issued a statement with was relayed by Adrian Wojnarowski. He apologized to the Grizzlies, Silver, and even his fans for “failing them”. Realizing the impact of his actions, the 23-year-old vowed to make it up to his supporters.
Ja Morant statement: pic.twitter.com/KJCxTVEIRj
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 16, 2023
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What are your views on Ja Morant’s suspension? Let us know in the comments below.