Ja Morant LOCKED IN with Memphis Grizzlies Until 2029 in MASSIVE 4-Year Extension – Grizzlies Secure the Face of the Franchise
The Memphis Grizzlies have made a monumental commitment to their franchise cornerstone, Ja Morant, by signing the All-Star guard to a four-year contract extension that keeps him with the team through the 2028-29 NBA season. The deal, reportedly worth $208 million, reaffirms the Grizzlies’ long-term vision centered around Morant and solidifies the 25-year-old as the undisputed face of the franchise.
This move comes as no surprise to Grizzlies fans and NBA observers who have witnessed Morant’s rise from a No. 2 overall pick in 2019 to one of the most electrifying and influential players in the league. His unique combination of athleticism, court vision, scoring prowess, and swagger has transformed not only the Grizzlies’ culture but also their national relevance.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll break down the key elements of the extension, its implications for the team, Morant’s legacy in the making, how this aligns with Memphis’ future plans, and what fans can expect as the team builds around its superstar for years to come.
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Ja Morant’s Journey: From Underdog to Franchise Cornerstone
Ja Morant’s journey to NBA superstardom didn’t follow the usual path. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Morant was under-recruited coming out of high school. His explosive talent was discovered almost by accident during a chance sighting by a Murray State assistant coach. That fortuitous moment led to a standout college career where he dazzled the basketball world with his high-flying dunks and surgical passing.
Drafted second overall in 2019 by Memphis, Morant hit the ground running, earning Rookie of the Year honors and immediately becoming the face of a young, rebuilding Grizzlies team. Over the following seasons, he developed into one of the league’s most dynamic point guards. His All-Star appearances, clutch performances, and viral highlights have made him a household name.
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The Contract Details: A Game-Changing Deal
According to multiple league sources, Ja Morant’s new contract extension is a four-year, $208 million deal that includes a player option for the final season. The extension will begin in the 2025-26 NBA season, following the expiration of his current five-year rookie max extension signed in 2022. Here’s a breakdown of the financial structure of the new deal:
Year 1 (2025-26): $48.1 million
Year 2 (2026-27): $51.9 million
Year 3 (2027-28): $55.9 million
Year 4 (2028-29): $58.1 million (player option)
This deal places Morant among the top earners in the league and represents a significant vote of confidence from the Grizzlies’ front office. With the salary cap projected to continue rising under the new media rights deal, locking in Morant at this price could look like a bargain in a few years.
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Reactions from the Organization
Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman didn’t mince words during the press conference announcing the deal.
> “Ja is the engine that drives everything we do. His growth as a player and a leader has been incredible to watch. This extension ensures that the heart of our team stays in Memphis, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to keep building with him.”
Head coach Taylor Jenkins echoed similar sentiments:
> “We’ve built our system around Ja. He sets the tone on both ends of the floor with his energy and competitiveness. His ability to elevate everyone around him is unmatched. He’s a culture-setter.”
Team owner Robert Pera also released a statement:
> “This extension is not just about basketball. It’s about investing in the future of our team and our community. Ja represents the spirit of Memphis — gritty, fearless, and unapologetically authentic.”
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Morant’s Statement: “I’m Just Getting Started”
For his part, Morant expressed deep gratitude and excitement about the deal.
> “Memphis believed in me from day one. This city is home. I’m locked in — not just for the next four years, but for the legacy we’re building here. I’ve got more to prove, more to give, and I’m just getting started.”
Morant also mentioned his desire to bring a championship to Memphis — something the franchise has never accomplished in its history.
> “We’re not satisfied with playoff appearances. I want to win it all here. That’s the goal. That’s the mission.”
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Morant’s On-Court Impact
Ja Morant’s impact on the floor cannot be overstated. Since entering the league, he has averaged 22.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game, while improving his shooting and decision-making every season. But stats only tell part of the story.
Morant’s style of play is electric. His fearless drives to the rim, hangtime defying gravity, and circus finishes have turned him into a nightly highlight reel. Yet beyond the flash is a fierce competitor who elevates his teammates.
In the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, Morant led Memphis to back-to-back 50+ win campaigns and deep playoff runs. His leadership helped transform the Grizzlies into one of the league’s top defensive teams, and his chemistry with teammates like Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, and Marcus Smart has been central to their identity.
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Weathering the Storm: A Redemption Arc
Morant’s extension also represents a redemption arc of sorts. In 2023, he faced multiple off-court controversies that led to suspensions and widespread scrutiny. While some questioned his maturity and commitment, Morant took accountability, underwent counseling, and returned with a renewed focus.
The Grizzlies organization stood by him throughout that period, offering support while reinforcing the importance of leadership and personal growth. The new deal symbolizes trust — both in Morant’s talent and his personal evolution.
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Strategic Implications for Memphis
Locking in Morant through 2029 gives the Grizzlies a stable foundation to build around. It provides clarity for the front office as it evaluates trade targets, free agency, and long-term roster construction. With Desmond Bane already under a max extension and Jaren Jackson Jr. signed through 2026, the core of the team is secured.
This also positions Memphis as a potential free-agent destination, especially with the league’s emphasis on player movement. Knowing that Morant will be in Memphis for the foreseeable future makes the franchise more attractive to stars looking for stability and competitiveness.
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The Legacy Factor: Chasing Greatness in Memphis
If Ja Morant finishes his new deal in Memphis, he will have spent at least a decade with the Grizzlies — a rarity in the modern NBA landscape. That longevity opens the door for franchise records, jersey retirement, and possibly a statue outside FedExForum.
Already, Morant ranks in the top 5 in multiple categories in Grizzlies history, including points, assists, and player efficiency rating. If he continues on his current trajectory, he could retire as the greatest player in franchise history.
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Impact on the City of Memphis
Morant’s presence transcends basketball. He is deeply embedded in the Memphis community, supporting youth programs, charitable efforts, and local businesses. His extension is a win not just for the team but for the city itself.
In a market often overlooked by national media, Morant has given Memphis a seat at the table. He’s made them a must-watch team and has become an icon for the city’s blue-collar, resilient identity.
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What’s Next for the Grizzlies?
With Morant’s future secured, the next step is building a championship-caliber roster. That means staying healthy, continuing to develop young talent, and making strategic additions — particularly in the frontcourt and bench depth areas.
The Western Conference remains competitive, with teams like the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, and Oklahoma City Thunder all boasting rising stars. But the Grizzlies are well-positioned to contend, especially with Morant anchoring the franchise.
Expect Memphis to be aggressive over the next few seasons, knowing their championship window is now wide open.
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League-Wide Reactions: Respect and Realignment
NBA players and analysts across the league reacted positively to the news of Morant’s extension. Stars like Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, and Donovan Mitchell offered congratulations on social media, while ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith called the deal:
> “A smart move by Memphis. When you have a player like Ja Morant, you don’t let him walk. Period.”
NBA GMs have also noted the ripple effect this could have on team-building across the league. With Morant off the market, other teams will have to pivot their strategies as they try to build around or compete against Memphis’ dynamic core.
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The Bigger Picture: A New NBA Era?
Morant’s extension could signal a broader shift in NBA culture — one where players commit long-term to smaller markets. In an age where superstars often chase opportunities in coastal cities, Morant’s loyalty to Memphis is both refreshing and significant.
It echoes moves by players like Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee and Nikola Jokić in Denver, who chose to stay and build rather than bolt for bigger stages. This could inspire the next generation of stars to do the same.
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Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment
The Grizzlies’ decision to extend Ja Morant through 2029 is more than a transaction — it’s a defining moment in the franchise’s history. It’s a declaration of ambition, a reward for perseverance, and a promise to fans that the future is bright.
For Morant, it’s a validation of his journey and a challenge to rise even higher. For Memphis, it’s the dawn of a new era — one where the goal is no longer just to compete but to conquer.
As the next chapter unfolds, one thing is clear: the Grizzlies are all in on Ja Morant, and Ja Morant is all in on Memphis.
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