Ja Morant has become one of the highest-paid young stars in the NBA thanks to his meteoric rise with the Memphis Grizzlies. In just a few short years, Morant has gone from relative unknown to All-Star starter and face of a franchise. His exciting style of play and elite athleticism have made him a fan favorite, while his improved skills have cemented his status as a building block for the Grizzlies. Morant’s new lucrative contract extension reflects his value to Memphis and standing within the league. Let’s take a closer look at how Ja Morant has amassed his growing fortune at such a young age.
Morant’s Basketball Journey
Ja Morant played college basketball for Murray State and burst onto the national scene during his sophomore season. He led the Racers to the second round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament while averaging 24.5 points and 10 assists per game. His exceptional play earned Morant consensus First Team All-American honors and the Bob Cousy Award for the nation’s top point guard.
Entering the 2019 NBA Draft after two college seasons, Morant was selected 2nd overall by the Memphis Grizzlies. He joined a rebuilding team and immediately became the Grizzlies’ franchise cornerstone. Morant averaged 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game during his rookie season, winning the 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year Award. His potential was evident from the start.
Morant’s Rookie Contract
As the 2nd overall draft pick in 2019, Morant signed a four-year, $44.2 million rookie scale contract with the Grizzlies. His annual salaries were as follows:
| Season | Salary |
|---|---|
| 2019-20 | $5.9 million |
| 2020-21 | $6.3 million |
| 2021-22 | $7.3 million |
| 2022-23 | $9.6 million |
While certainly a life-changing amount of money, Morant was making far below his market value during these early years. But this enabled Memphis to surround him with talent that led to team success. And Morant’s eventual max contract extension was certainly on the horizon.
Morant’s Rise to All-Star Status
In the 2021-22 season, Morant took his game to new heights and led the Grizzlies to the NBA’s second-best record at 56-26. He averaged 27.4 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds while shooting nearly 50% from the field. Morant earned his first All-Star selection and Most Improved Player Award as he guided Memphis to the second round of the playoffs.
The 2022-23 season has seen Morant somehow reach an even higher level. He averaged a career-best 27.6 points and 8.3 assists through the All-Star break while again leading Memphis to an elite record. Morant earned the starting nod for the Western Conference All-Star team and is firmly in MVP consideration.
Morant’s Massive Rookie Extension
In light of his meteoric rise into superstardom, Morant signed a 5-year, $193 million designated rookie max contract extension with the Grizzlies in July 2022. This $193 million deal is the maximum Memphis could offer under NBA rules. Morant’s annual salaries on this extension are:
| Season | Salary |
|---|---|
| 2023-24 | $30.5 million |
| 2024-25 | $32.6 million |
| 2025-26 | $34.7 million |
| 2026-27 | $36.9 million |
| 2027-28 | $39 million |
Ja Morant went from earning under $10 million in his third season to over $30 million annually on his rookie extension. This contract cements him as the face of the Grizzlies franchise for years to come. Still just 23 years old, Morant will earn over $230 million in guaranteed money over the next six seasons.
Morant’s Endorsements
In addition to his lucrative NBA contracts, Ja Morant also earns significant income through major endorsement deals. As his fame has grown, Morant has signed deals with Nike, BodyArmor, and Panini America.
Nike signed Morant before he was even drafted, and he got his own signature shoes with the company in 2022 – a major accomplishment for such a young player. Meanwhile, BodyArmor and Panini feature Morant as one of their most prominent athlete partners. Forbes estimated he earns around $5 million annually from endorsements.
Financial Impact of All-Star Stardom
By becoming an All-Star starter and potential MVP candidate so early in his career, Ja Morant has maximized his earning potential. Players receive hefty financial bonuses for All-Star nods and end-of-season awards. Morant has already earned an estimated $6 million in performance bonuses over the past two seasons.
Being an All-Star greatly raises a player’s profile and endorsement earnings as well. Morant’s newfound fame has attracted major brands, accelerating his marketing income. The Grizzlies also recognized his ascending superstardom in negotiating his massive extension – an extension reflecting All-NBA level compensation despite Morant making just one All-NBA Team so far.
Future Earnings Outlook
At just 23 years old, Ja Morant is positioned for immense earnings over the next decade as he enters his prime. He will earn over $230 million in NBA salary over the next six seasons. Assuming he maintains All-Star-level play, Morant could then sign another maximum extension in 2028 worth around $60-70 million annually.
His endorsement income should also continue rising as Morant cements himself as a global star. Nike will surely look to extend their shoe deal, while new major brands figure to come calling. $10 million annually in endorsements is feasible. If he develops into an MVP, $20+ million is within reach.
In total, Ja Morant realistically projects to earn over $500 million in his basketball career from NBA contracts and endorsements. This assumes continued health and maintaining his current trajectory. With his signature athleticism and playmaking ability, Morant has built the foundation for generational wealth before his 25th birthday.
Keys to Building Morant’s Wealth
Ja Morant deserves immense credit for turning his basketball talents into life-changing wealth so quickly. However, he’s also surrounded himself with a team that has helped maximize his earnings at every turn.
Morant signed with Klutch Sports for representation after his rookie season – Rich Paul’s agency representing LeBron James and other stars. Klutch secured Morant’s massive rookie extension. He also has financial advisors to invest his money wisely and build lasting wealth. Morant has made savvy moves to take full advantage of his skills.
Furthermore, Morant developed marketable strengths like athletic dunks that fans gravitate towards. He immersed himself in Memphis and built a strong bond with the city. On the court, he led the Grizzlies to contention to raise his profile. Morant and his team have made all the right moves to boost his value.
The Ja Morant Effect
Beyond his own finances, Ja Morant’s rise to stardom has had a wider economic impact. He has made the Grizzlies relevant and boosted their revenue streams through increased ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships, and more. Memphis awarded him with the richest deal in franchise history.
Moreover, Morant’s flashy play and young star power have increased the NBA’s popularity among younger fans. The league benefits from marketed stars like Morant. His elite talent and big personality will continue driving revenue as his fame grows.
Conclusion
Ja Morant has quickly risen to financial stardom by taking the NBA by storm. Thanks to Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Player campaigns, All-Star selections, and strong team performance, Morant has earned a $193 million rookie extension before age 23. Endorsements with Nike, BodyArmor and Panini also enrich him.
Projecting future earnings, Morant looks poised to break $500 million in career income. He has all the makings of a global superstar. With continued elite play and good health, Morant should remain fabulously wealthy for decades to come. Fans will surely enjoy watching his on-court brilliance and flashy athleticism while Morant reaps the financial rewards.