Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant addresses injury troubles after playoff series loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Memphis Grizzlies’ season officially concluded on Saturday, suffering a 4-0 series sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder, as they’ll go on to face the winner of the Los Angeles Clippers-Denver Nuggets series. For Memphis, they head into the 2025 offseason with plenty of questions to answer, as changes are likely on their way.
contract with $126.5 million left to payout
While the Grizzlies got an All-Star season out of Jaren Jackson Jr., it was another underwhelming season for star guard Ja Morant. After playing in nine games the season prior, he appeared in 50 games in the regular season this year and missed Game 4 against the Thunder. In the end-of-season media availability, Morant addressed his season-long battle with injuries.
“I feel like every injury I had this year was out of my control,” Morant said. “Outside of those injuries, I feel like I had one of my healthiest seasons.”
Even though the 2024-25 season was the second-least amount of games Morant has appeared in so far through his six-year NBA career, Morant added that he found himself not dealing with knee and back pain like he has in seasons prior. Regardless, an interesting statement given Morant had three instances of five or more consecutive games missed.
Morant currently has three years remaining on his contract with $126.5 million left to payout. Since Morant was selected second overall in 2019, the Grizzlies have made it out of the first round just once. With a potential new head coach coming in and the need to make a change being evident, Morant may find himself in trade rumors this offseason.
Ja Morant injury update: ‘Dirty play’ by Lu Dort? Draymond Green takes a swipe
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant suffered a left hip injury during Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant suffered a left hip injury during Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. The Grizzlies were up 27 points when the 25-year-old was taken off the court. They eventually lost the game. Draymond Green and several fans pointed out ‘dirty play’, blaming OKC’s Lu Dort for Morant’s injury.
The incident took place occurred in the second quarter and led to Morant exiting the game after missing both free throws and heading to the locker room in visible pain. He was ruled out for the remainder of Game 3, finishing with 15 points, five assists, and one rebound in 16 minutes. The Grizzlies star underwent further testing, with results pending, and his status for Game 4 remains uncertain. RotoWire reported that Luke Kennard and Scotty Pippen Jr. are expected to see increased minutes in his absence.
“Grizzlies were up almost 30 with a chance to swing momentum into tying the series Saturday. instead lu dort ends ja morants season on a wreckless play,” a second one added.
@WillGuillory noted Jaren Jackson Jr confronting Dort post-play, while @MrBuckBuckNBA highlighted Morant’s frustration, stripping off his jersey as he left. However, others, like @YourManDevine and @MichaelOnSports, argued there was no intent, as Dort was attempting to recover from a slip and contest the ball. The officials reviewed the play and called a common foul, not a flagrant, supporting the view that it was accidental.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green put up a story, saying players need to ‘stop playing dirty’. “I hate these young players get hurt over nonsense.”
While Green did not name Lu Dort, fans speculated that it was a swipe at the OKC guard.