Ja Morant Agrees to Grizzlies Rookie Contract After Being Taken No. 1 in 2025 NBA Draft
In a move that has electrified the city of Memphis and sparked widespread discussion across the NBA landscape, Ja Morant has officially agreed to terms on his rookie contract with the Memphis Grizzlies after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. It’s a full-circle moment for Morant, who initially entered the league in 2019 and has now rewritten the narrative with a fresh start and renewed commitment to the franchise that once made him its centerpiece.
The Return of a Star — and a Statement
Morant’s selection at No. 1 in 2025 was historic and symbolic. After a turbulent few seasons marred by off-court issues and injury setbacks, many questioned whether Morant would ever regain his superstar status. But his resilience, accountability, and growth — both as a player and as a person — helped pave the way for a stunning re-entry into the NBA Draft. Memphis, in turn, took a bold leap, re-drafting the player they once built their team around.
The rookie deal, projected to be worth over $60 million across four years with team options and performance incentives, signals not just an investment in Morant’s talent, but in his redemption arc. According to league sources, the contract includes a number of unique clauses related to conduct and community engagement — both of which Morant reportedly embraced as part of his desire to lead by example.
Memphis Rebuilds Around Familiar Greatness
The Grizzlies’ decision to draft Morant first overall was as much a basketball move as it was a cultural one. After falling into a multi-year rebuild and losing key players from their previous core — including Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. — the franchise found itself looking for a new identity. That identity turned out to be rooted in the past, but with a vision for the future.
“Ja is Memphis,” said Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman during the introductory press conference. “He’s made mistakes, but he’s also shown a remarkable willingness to grow. This is not just a second chance for him — it’s a second chance for all of us to do something extraordinary together.”
The announcement was met with thunderous cheers from fans, many of whom never stopped supporting Morant during his hiatus. Billboards across the city lit up with the phrase, “Back Where He Belongs,” and the Grizzlies’ social media accounts shared a powerful video montage chronicling Morant’s journey — from college sensation to NBA Rookie of the Year, to his fall from grace, and now, to his triumphant return.
The Path Back to No. 1
Morant’s eligibility for the 2025 NBA Draft came under unusual circumstances. After voluntarily stepping away from the league to address personal and legal issues, Morant was declared eligible to re-enter the draft pool under a special provision — a move ratified by the NBA Players Association and the league office. It was a first-of-its-kind agreement that required Morant to complete several milestones, including community service, counseling programs, and public speaking engagements.
In the months leading up to the draft, Morant participated in the NBA Combine and private workouts, drawing praise from scouts for his athleticism, leadership, and improved decision-making. While other prospects like Duke’s Jalen Weaver and France’s Quentin Dubois impressed in traditional metrics, Morant’s intangibles and proven NBA track record made him a compelling top choice.
One scout from a Western Conference team summed it up best: “You can’t teach what Ja brings to the table. He’s still one of the most explosive athletes we’ve ever seen. If he’s ready mentally, there’s no one better in this class.”
A Contract Built on Accountability and Aspiration
The rookie contract, finalized within 48 hours of the draft, includes several progressive elements. Aside from the base salary and team incentives, it features performance bonuses tied to on-court metrics (such as assists per game, turnovers, and free-throw percentage), as well as off-court benchmarks.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the deal contains clauses that reward Morant for maintaining community engagement hours, avoiding fines or suspensions, and participating in youth mentorship programs. It’s a rare blend of basketball and character-driven incentives — a model that could become more common for high-profile athletes with public pasts.
Morant himself has embraced this hybrid model, stating, “This contract isn’t just about money — it’s about trust. The Grizzlies are betting on me, and I’m betting on myself. I want to be the kind of player and man this city can be proud of.”
Fan Reaction: A City Forgives and Forgets — and Hopes
Fan reaction in Memphis has been overwhelmingly positive. In the hours after the draft and contract announcement, thousands of fans took to Beale Street in a spontaneous celebration. Jerseys from Morant’s earlier stint with the Grizzlies were dusted off and worn with pride. Local media ran retrospectives of his best highlights, including his electrifying dunks and clutch performances during the 2021 and 2022 playoff runs.
“I knew he’d be back,” said longtime Grizzlies season-ticket holder Regina Mills. “People make mistakes. But Ja’s heart has always been in Memphis. This is his home.”
There’s also a sense of cautious optimism. While many fans are eager to see Morant lead the team again, there’s an understanding that growth is a journey, not a destination. “He doesn’t need to be perfect,” said one caller on local radio. “He just needs to be present, humble, and committed. We’ll ride with him.”
Rebuilding the Grizzlies Around Ja 2.0
From a strategic standpoint, the Grizzlies’ front office has already begun restructuring the roster around Morant. They used their second-round pick to select Marcus Dillard, a 6’6” sharpshooter from Kansas, who projects to be an ideal floor-spacing wing next to a driving playmaker like Morant. They’ve also made cap space available for potential veteran acquisitions who can provide leadership and stability.
Coach Taylor Jenkins, who returned to the franchise after a one-year sabbatical, expressed excitement about working with Morant again. “We’re not just rebuilding — we’re reimagining. This is a fresh slate, and Ja is going to be at the heart of everything we do.”
NBA insiders have suggested that the Grizzlies may pursue players like Malcolm Brogdon or P.J. Washington in free agency — high-IQ veterans who can help bridge the gap between youth and competitiveness. The team is also reportedly in discussions to trade for a defensive-minded center to pair with Morant’s uptempo style.
The League Reacts: Redemption and Respect
Across the NBA, Morant’s No. 1 selection and contract drew reactions ranging from surprise to admiration. Several current and former players took to social media to congratulate him, including LeBron James, Damian Lillard, and Chris Paul.
“Proud of you, young king,” James tweeted. “Keep writing your story.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who played a role in facilitating Morant’s return, stated during the draft broadcast, “Ja’s journey has not been a straight line, but he’s demonstrated that redemption is possible through hard work, self-reflection, and support. We’re excited to see what the future holds for him.”
In some circles, Morant’s return has sparked conversations about mental health, second chances, and the evolving standards of player conduct in the NBA. Advocates for restorative justice have pointed to Morant as a model for what it means to recover from public mistakes and come back stronger.
What Comes Next: Pressure, Potential, and Purpose
With the ink now dry on his rookie contract, Ja Morant’s focus shifts to the upcoming Summer League and training camp, where he’ll take the court as a “rookie” in name but a veteran in experience. Expectations will be sky-high, and the spotlight — for better or worse — will follow him wherever he goes.
Yet those close to Morant say he’s prepared like never before. His offseason regimen has been rigorous, including two-a-day workouts, meditation sessions, and mentorship from NBA legends. He’s also been spending time with young athletes in Memphis, sharing his story and encouraging them to stay focused on their goals.
“I’m not just here to play basketball,” Morant said during his Grizzlies media day. “I’m here to represent every kid who’s been counted out. Every person who’s made a mistake and wants to come back stronger. This is bigger than hoops.”
Conclusion: A New Era Begins
Ja Morant’s rookie contract with the Memphis Grizzlies marks the beginning of an unprecedented chapter in NBA history. Never before has a player been drafted No. 1 overall twice — once as a rising phenom and again as a story of redemption. For Memphis, it’s a rare chance to rekindle the fire that once burned so brightly. For Morant, it’s an opportunity to prove that growth is real, leadership is earned, and greatness can rise again.
Whether or not the Grizzlies return to playoff contention in the immediate future, one thing is clear: with Ja Morant back in the fold, Memphis once again has its heartbeat.
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