Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant has been suspended 25 games without pay for conduct detrimental to the NBA.
The two-time All-Star showed a gun on IG Live for a second time. The first incident happened in March and Morant was suspended for eight games.
Morant is due to make around $33.5 million next season. He now stands to lose just over $300,000 per game during this suspension, or approximately $7.5 million, but Brian Windhorst of ESPN believes it could be much more.
Morant signed a five-year, $194.3 million designated rookie contract extension with Memphis in July 2022. He averaged 26.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 8.1 assists this past season while shooting 46.6% from the field, 30.7% from beyond the arc and 74.8% from the free-throw line.
“Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March for which he was already suspended eight games,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement Friday. “The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning. Under these circumstances, we believe a suspension of 25 games is appropriate and makes clear that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ja Morant & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
The Grizzlies may have to sign or trade for a point guard this offseason since Morant will miss the first 25 games of the 2023-24 season. Memphis lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in six games.
“For Ja, basketball needs to take a back seat at this time,” Silver said. “Prior to his return to play, he will be required to formulate and fulfill a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ja Morant & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Morant has career averages of 22.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.4 assists.
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