When Ja Morant signed his lucrative five-year extension with the Memphis Grizzlies worth up to $231 million, the move was seen as a defining moment for the franchise. Morant, a high-flying, fearless guard with superstar potential, seemed destined to elevate Memphis into serious championship contention. But fast-forward to 2025, and the conversation has shifted. With off-court controversies, suspensions, injuries, and playoff frustrations, many fans and analysts are beginning to ask the question: Does Ja Morant regret staying with the Memphis Grizzlies?
The Rise: A Perfect Fit… At First
Drafted second overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, Morant brought swagger, energy, and hope to a small-market franchise desperate for a face of the team. His rookie season was electric. By his third year, he was an All-Star starter, and the Grizzlies were one of the most exciting young teams in the league. The chemistry with teammates like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane was undeniable, and the Grizzlies were seen as a team that could grow into perennial contenders.
Memphis embraced Morant wholeheartedly. The city loved him, and he loved them back. It felt like a storybook pairing: a small-town star with an underdog city. But then, cracks started to show.
The Downfall: Suspensions and Distractions
In 2023, Morant’s off-court issues began to take a toll. Two separate incidents involving him flashing a firearm on Instagram Live led to multiple suspensions by the league. The media scrutiny was intense, and fans began to question his maturity and leadership. His actions hurt not just his image but also the Grizzlies’ chances on the court. Morant was suspended for 25 games to start the 2023-24 season, disrupting team chemistry and derailing the Grizzlies’ momentum.
Despite his apologies and promises to improve, the damage was done. The team struggled without him and never fully recovered when he returned. Memphis missed the playoffs, and for the first time, there were whispers: Was Ja Morant more trouble than he was worth?
Grizzlies’ Roster Woes and Injuries
Another reason Morant might be feeling some regret is the current state of the Grizzlies’ roster. Injuries to key players, including Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke, made it nearly impossible for the team to find rhythm. Even when Morant was on the court, the lack of consistent support and depth made it difficult to compete with the top-tier Western Conference teams.
Meanwhile, other franchises were retooling and stacking talent. The Thunder, Kings, and Timberwolves all seemed to be surging, while Memphis looked stagnant—maybe even regressing. The once-promising young core was now facing questions about whether they had already peaked.
Bigger Stage, Bigger Market?
One can’t ignore the allure of what could have been had Morant chosen a different path. As one of the most marketable young stars in the NBA, Morant could’ve flourished in a larger market—New York, Los Angeles, Miami, or even Atlanta. His charisma, flashy play style, and highlight-reel dunks are made for prime-time television and major endorsement deals.
While he has secured a signature shoe deal with Nike and a solid national following, it’s fair to wonder whether Morant feels limited by Memphis’ market size. He’s certainly loyal, but loyalty comes with trade-offs. Would his brand be bigger, and his career trajectory brighter, if he were wearing a Knicks jersey or leading the Lakers into a post-LeBron era?
Is Regret Setting In?
There’s no public indication—yet—that Morant regrets his contract with Memphis. He’s made statements in the past about wanting to build something special there, about legacy and loyalty. But public statements and private feelings don’t always align.
If Memphis continues to miss the playoffs or fail to build a reliable, healthy team around him, it wouldn’t be shocking for Morant to start questioning the commitment he made. After all, in today’s NBA, loyalty often takes a backseat to winning. We’ve seen stars like Damian Lillard, Bradley Beal, and even Kevin Durant change directions after years of pledging allegiance to one franchise.
The Future: Time to Rebuild or Recommit?
So, what’s next for Morant and the Grizzlies? The front office must act fast. Whether that means trading assets for a co-star, finding a reliable veteran presence in the locker room, or overhauling the support staff, something has to change. Morant is entering the prime of his career, and wasting those years in mediocrity isn’t an option.
For Ja, the choice will come sooner rather than later: stay patient and double down on Memphis, or explore a path that offers a clearer route to a championship and greater off-court potential.
Right now, the regret may not be loud—but it could be whispering. And if the whispers grow into shouts, Memphis might soon face the unthinkable: life without Ja Morant.
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