Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant will be eligible to return from his NBA suspension on December 19 against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Morant has been suspended by the NBA for 25 games for showing a gun on an IG Live video for a second time. He was suspended for eight games in March after the first incident.
Morant will have to adhere to certain conditions before being reinstated and is ineligible to participate in any public league or team activities, including preseason games, during the course of his suspension. The Murray State product was due to make around $33.5 million next season. He stands to lose just over $300,000 per game during this suspension, which is approximately $7.5 million.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ja Morant, New Orleans Pelicans & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
“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 when he announced Morant’s suspension. “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.”
Morant signed a five-year, $194.3 million designated rookie contract extension with Grizzlies in July 2022. He averaged 26.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 8.1 assists last season while shooting 46.6% from the field, 30.7% from beyond the arc and 74.8% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ja Morant, New Orleans Pelicans & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
The Grizzlies acquired Marcus Smart from the Boston Celtics and traded Tyus Jones to the Washington Wizards this offseason. The team also signed former MVP Derrick Rose, who played college basketball in Memphis. Both Smart and Rose are expected to mentor Morant.
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