Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Grizzlies' Ja Morant Makes Major Career Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 10:39 PM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies drafted Ja Morant with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Morant has career averages of 22.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 7.4 assists. He signed a five-year, $197 million extension with Memphis in 2022.

However, the Grizzlies have won only one postseason series since drafting Morant, who has been suspended by the NBA twice for showing a gun on Instagram Live.

A two-time All-Star, Morant appeared in 50 games for the Grizzlies this season. He averaged 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.3 assists while shooting 45.4% from the field, 30.9% from 3 and 82.4% from the foul line.

Memphis was swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of this year's playoffs. Morant missed Game 4 after getting hurt in Game 3.

The 25-year-old Morant has stayed out of the news until Thursday, as Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported that the point guard has parted ways with Lift Sports Management.

Morant joined Lift, an agency headed by former NBA forward Mike Miller, in April 2024.

"All indications are that the relationship between the Grizzlies and Morant remains strong," Cole wrote. "Morant could look to partner with another agency that best represents his goals. Another option for the Grizzlies star is self-representation."

Morant will make $39.4 million next season, $42.2 million in 2026-27 and $44.8 million in 2027-28, the final year of his contract.

Morant is eligible to sign a two-year extension this offseason. It's unknown if the Grizzlies will sign their best player to another lucrative contract.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: