By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Explosive point guard Ja Morant has agreed to sign a five-year contract extension that can be worth up to $231M, as reported by ESPN Friday morning.
Morant, 22, is guaranteed $193M. The remaining $38M is attached to landing on one of the three All-NBA teams. The deal additionally includes a 15% trade kicker, as noted in the report.
“Memphis is my home,” he wrote on Twitter following the news of his committing to five more years in Memphis. Being named to the 2022 All-NBA Second Team and in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game alongside the distinction of the 2022 NBA Most Improved Player all led to the five-year designated rookie extension. In addition, he was the 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year.
The former Murray State standout has been rocking the NBA over the first three years of his career, since becoming the second overall pick of the 2019 NBA draft. His efforts translate in 21.7 points, 7.3 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game. Making his way to 201 games includes 14 appearances in the 2021 and 2022 Playoffs.
After three consecutive campaigns cut at the conclusion of the Regular Season, the Grizzlies returned to the postseason in 2021 but were knocked out in the first round by the Utah Jazz in five games. Ranking second in the Western Conference standings made out the second straight berth for the team coached by Taylor Jenkins but after eliminating the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games fell to future champions Golden State Warriors in six games.
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