Ja Morant, a rising NBA star, has accumulated a net worth of $50 million. Currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, and his career has blossomed ever since he was drafted. Before entering the NBA, he was a standout at Murray State University, where he was named a first-team All-American in his sophomore year. Morant’s excellence extended to the NCAA, where he led in assists and was honored as the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year in 2018-19.
Contracts and Career Earnings
When Ja Morant was selected as the second pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, he signed a two-year, $17.8 million contract with the team. In 2021, his earnings were boosted with a four-year, $39.6 million fully guaranteed extension.
In 2022, Morant signed an even more lucrative five-year rookie extension with the Grizzlies. The contract, valued at $193 million, could reach up to $231 million, contingent on certain performance milestones like being named to the All-NBA team. This deal raised Morant’s average annual salary to approximately $38.6 million.
Lucrative Endorsement Deals
Ja Morant’s rise to stardom also caught the attention of major brands, leading to significant endorsement contracts. Notably, he signed a high-paying multi-year agreement with Powerade, becoming the face of the brand. This endorsement deal, which began in March 2023, is worth $10 million annually.
However, shortly after the announcement of the Powerade partnership, a controversy arose when a video of Morant brandishing a gun surfaced on Instagram Live. As a result, Powerade paused all of Morant’s ad campaigns, creating a setback in his promotional ventures.
Nike Partnership
Another of Morant’s notable endorsements is with Nike. In 2019, he signed a multi-year deal with the sportswear giant, earning $12 million annually. Nike was initially supportive of Morant, even launching his first signature shoe, the “Hunger Ja 1,” in April 2023. Despite this, following the release of a second video featuring Morant with a gun, Nike removed his shoes from their website and app, indicating the brand’s shifting stance due to the controversy.
Ja Morant’s Early Life and High School Basketball Journey
Ja Morant, born Temetrius Jamel Morant on August 10, 1999, hails from Dalzell, South Carolina. His father, Jamie, played basketball at Claflin University, while his mother, Tee, was a high school point guard before turning to softball in college. Ja’s younger sister, Teniya, also plays basketball.
From a young age, Ja practiced basketball with his father in their backyard and later played for the South Carolina Hornets in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). He attended Crestwood High School, where he became the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,679 points. He also earned South Carolina 3A All-State honors in his final two years.
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College Breakout at Murray State
Morant’s journey to fame took an unexpected turn in 2016 when he was discovered by Murray State University’s assistant coach, James Kane, during a camp. Impressed by Morant’s skills, Kane connected with head coach Matt McMahon, who offered him a scholarship. Morant made his debut for Murray State in November 2017, leading the team to an easy victory over Brescia University.
Throughout his freshman year, Morant showed promise, recording a triple-double in a win over Eastern Illinois. By his sophomore year, he was performing at an elite level. Morant broke records for most assists in a game, with 18, and scored a career-high 40 points in a win over SIU Edwardsville. He helped lead the Racers to the NCAA Tournament, where they were eliminated by Florida State. Despite this, Morant declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his final two college seasons.
Drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies
Morant’s life changed forever when he was selected as the second pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies. He made his debut in October 2019, facing the Miami Heat. Morant’s first career double-double came soon after in a victory over the Charlotte Hornets, where he also hit the game-winning layup. In early 2020, Morant recorded his first triple-double against the Washington Wizards.
Morant’s first NBA season was impressive, as he led all rookies in assists and scoring. He averaged 7.1 assists and 17.8 points per game, earning NBA Rookie of the Year honors.
Rising Stardom in the NBA
Morant’s second season with the Grizzlies was filled with memorable moments. In 2020, he scored a career-high 44 points in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs. The following year, he led the Grizzlies to an overtime win over the Golden State Warriors, securing a playoff spot. Morant’s playoff debut saw him lead the Grizzlies to an upset victory over the Utah Jazz, despite a loss in the following game.
Morant continued to impress during the 2021-22 season. In February 2022, he tied his career-high of 44 points and followed it up with a new high of 46 points. Just days later, he topped those performances by scoring 52 points in a win over the San Antonio Spurs, setting a new single-game record for the Grizzlies.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite his rising career, Morant has faced several controversies. On March 4, 2023, a video emerged showing Morant brandishing a gun in a Denver strip club, leading to an NBA suspension for eight games for conduct detrimental to the league.
Things escalated in May 2023 when another video surfaced showing Morant again holding a gun. In addition to these incidents, Morant has faced accusations related to other off-court behavior, including an alleged altercation with a teenager during a pickup game and an incident involving a laser being aimed at the Indiana Pacers’ team bus.
Ja Morant’s story is one of talent, success, and controversy. From his humble beginnings in South Carolina to becoming an NBA star, Morant has achieved remarkable financial success through both his playing career and endorsements. However, his off-court actions have raised concerns, casting a shadow over his promising future. Despite these challenges, Morant remains a key figure in the NBA, and his career continues to fans around the world.
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