We are now a little over a month since the Grizzlies season ended in a first-round sweep against the Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Their season was highlighted by the return of Ja Morant after missing 73 games last season due to suspension and a shoulder injury.
His availability made a huge impact on the team's season, as he only played 50 games, and the team had an 18-14 record in the games he missed. His season ended with a hip injury in Game 3 against the Thunder, which the Grizzlies blew a huge lead following the injury.
His various injuries throughout the season were noticeable as he only played more than five consecutive games once, and their slide down the standings came during his six-game absence due to a hamstring injury in March. Before his season-ending injury in the Thunder series, he was hobbled during their first play-in game against the Warriors with an ankle injury he suffered in the fourth quarter.
He was a game-time decision in their do-or-die second play-in game against the Mavericks, before ultimately leading them back into the playoffs. With another season ending with a Morant injury in the postseason, the Grizzlies may opt to pass on a pending contract extension.
Extending Morant will have to be placed on hold
Ja Morant has three years left on the five-year, $197 million rookie extension he signed during the 2022 offseason. He is eligible for another extension this offseason for two additional years of over $60 million per season for the 2028-29 and 2029-30 seasons.
With three years remaining on his current contract, the Grizzlies will likely decide to wait on extension talks with their superstar point guard for numerous reasons. One is because they have time with three years remaining. With Jaren Jackson Jr.'s contract as the number one priority this offseason, the team can elect to revisit Morant's deal next offseason.
Another is Morant will need to remain on the court more often than he has the last couple of seasons, especially during the critical juncture of the season. His injuries are more unlucky than anything he can control, but availability is important to a team that relies on him as much as they do for success.
Morant has taken a step in the right direction off the court by staying out of the negative limelight that caused him to be suspended for 33 total games between the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. However, before the team can spend that much capital on one player, he will need to continue the positive trajectory combined with availability on the court.