**BREAKING NEWS: Ja Morant Agrees to Contract Extension with Memphis Grizzlies Until 2029, Vows to Become a Franchise Legend**
*“This is my home. I’m here to finish what I started.” – Ja Morant*
—
In a move that instantly sent shockwaves of excitement through the NBA and reaffirmed his commitment to the city that believed in him from day one, **Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant** has officially agreed to a contract extension that will keep him with the franchise through the **2028–2029 NBA season**.
The explosive point guard and former No. 2 overall pick made the announcement this morning in a packed press conference at FedExForum, flanked by Grizzlies executives, teammates, and family. With fans chanting his name outside the arena and social media erupting in celebration, Morant made it clear: he’s not going anywhere.
> “This is my home,” Morant said, visibly emotional. “I’m not chasing anything outside of Memphis. I’m not looking for the spotlight — I’m building my own here. I came here to change the game, to bring something real. I’m here to finish what I started.”
—
### The Extension: Details and Commitment
The new deal is an extension of Morant’s current supermax contract, originally signed in 2022, and now secures him as the centerpiece of the Grizzlies franchise until the end of the 2029 season.
**Sources confirm:**
* The extension adds **two more years** and roughly **\$98 million** to his existing contract
* The total value of his contract now sits at approximately **\$293 million through 2029**
* Includes performance bonuses for MVP consideration, All-NBA selections, and playoff milestones
* Contains player and team options for flexibility, but both sides emphasized mutual long-term commitment
This places Morant among the **top 5 highest-paid players in the league**, but for the 25-year-old superstar, the money wasn’t the motivating factor.
> “I had bigger offers elsewhere,” Morant admitted. “But this ain’t about money. This is about Memphis. This is about legacy.”
—
### A Career Rooted in Loyalty
Morant’s loyalty to the Grizzlies has been evident since his arrival in 2019. Drafted out of Murray State, the South Carolina native brought swagger, confidence, and an electric style of play to a franchise that had long lived in the shadows of bigger-market teams.
Since joining the league, Morant has:
* Been named **Rookie of the Year (2020)**
* Earned **2 All-NBA Team** selections
* Appeared in **three NBA All-Star Games**
* Guided the Grizzlies to multiple playoff appearances, including a franchise-best 56-win season in 2022–23
* Averaged **27.1 points**, **8.5 assists**, and **5.6 rebounds** over the past two seasons
And yet, despite offers from marquee franchises — including a heavily rumored **\$55.5 million proposal from the Los Angeles Lakers** — Morant stayed true to his roots.
> “They say the bright lights are in L.A. or New York. But for me, the brightest light is where people believe in you. Memphis believed in me before the world did. That means more than any dollar ever could.”
—
### Grizzlies Leadership: “We’re Building Around Ja”
Grizzlies GM **Zach Kleiman** called Morant’s extension “the most important decision in the history of this franchise” and reiterated the organization’s plan to continue building a contender around him.
> “When we drafted Ja, we knew we had someone special,” Kleiman said. “Not just a generational talent, but a leader, a fighter, and someone who embraced the Memphis identity. He’s made us believe again. He’s made the league respect us again.”
The Grizzlies are currently focused on reinforcing the roster with veteran leadership and additional shooting around Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. The goal? Compete for an NBA championship — now.
> “We’re not rebuilding,” Kleiman stated. “We’re chasing rings. And we’re doing it with Ja Morant leading the charge.”
—
### A Deep Connection with Memphis
More than just a player, Ja Morant has become a symbol of pride for the city of Memphis — a community that has rallied around him through highs and lows.
Following his highly publicized off-court suspension in 2023, Morant returned with renewed focus, taking accountability and channeling adversity into growth. Since then, he’s become a vocal leader in the locker room and a visible presence in the community.
> “This city forgave me when it could’ve turned away,” Morant said. “Now I wake up every day thinking about how I can give back. Not just with basketball — with my heart.”
Morant recently expanded his community foundation, **“Morant Mentality,”** pledging over **\$5 million toward youth development, mental health initiatives, and anti-gun violence programs** in Memphis and South Carolina.
> “I know what it’s like to grow up with people doubting you. Now, I want to be the reason some kid believes in themselves. That’s bigger than basketball.”
—
### Fans React: “He’s One of Us”
Within minutes of the announcement, Grizzlies fans flooded social media with emotional messages of support. Outside FedExForum, fans gathered with homemade signs, wearing No. 12 jerseys and chanting “MVP!”
Hashtags like **#JaStays**, **#GrindCityLegend**, and **#Forever12** trended on X (formerly Twitter), with fans and players from across the NBA weighing in.
> “Ja choosing Memphis? That’s rare loyalty. That’s big time.” – Damian Lillard
> “You gotta love this dude. Built for his city.” – Donovan Mitchell
> “The league needs more Ja Morants. Loyalty over everything.” – Dwyane Wade
Grizzlies superfan and hip-hop icon **Moneybagg Yo** posted a photo with Morant, captioned: *“The King of Memphis ain’t leaving. Let’s get this chip, bro.”*
—
### A Message to the League: Memphis Is Here to Stay
Morant’s extension sends a clear signal to the rest of the NBA — small-market teams can build dynasties, too. While the trend of superstars joining already-built contenders continues, Morant’s decision bucks the norm.
> “I don’t want to *join* greatness,” Morant said. “I want to *build* it.”
Memphis is now a serious destination for talent — not just because of its rising core, but because of Morant’s leadership and vision.
NBA Commissioner **Adam Silver** praised the move, stating:
> “In an era where loyalty is often questioned, Ja Morant’s decision reminds us what makes this league truly special: players who embrace their community and lift it with them.”
—
### Future Outlook: Championship Aspirations
With Morant locked in through 2029, the Grizzlies’ front office has full clarity and confidence to shape the next era of Memphis basketball.
With **Desmond Bane** locked into a five-year deal, **Jaren Jackson Jr.** still entering his prime, and promising young talent emerging from recent drafts, the pieces are in place for a legitimate title window.
> “The grind doesn’t stop here,” Morant said. “This is just the beginning. The world’s gonna see what Memphis is really made of.”
Insiders report that the team is exploring trade and free agency options for a veteran forward and a three-point specialist to round out the roster ahead of training camp.
—
### Final Thoughts: From Star to Legend
Ja Morant’s rise in the NBA has been fast, dazzling, and at times, complicated. But today, he’s stepping fully into his next chapter — not just as a star, but as a **franchise legend in the making**.
> “People talk about rings, records, MVPs,” Morant said. “I’m chasing something deeper. I want to give this city a reason to believe every single night. I want that banner. I want that parade. And I want it here — in Memphis.”
As the crowd roared and chants of “Ja! Ja! Ja!” filled the air, one thing was clear:
**This isn’t just a contract extension. This is a declaration of belief — in a city, in a team, and in the legacy of Ja Morant.**
The grind has never been more real. And Ja Morant?
He’s **Grind City** forever.
Leave a Reply