NBA issues Ja Morant $75,000 fine for finger gun gestures in-game

The NBA has fined Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant $75,000 for his finger gun gestures, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Morant used the finger gun motions towards the Golden State Warriors’ bench Tuesday night, prompting the league to launch an investigation.

The NBA initially issued a warning to Morant and Warriors guard Buddy Hield, who made the same gesture to him earlier in the game. Morant did it again after making his first basket in the Thursday night matchup against the Miami Heat.

Morant used the celebration several times over the last month. It didn’t catch on with the league office until the game against Golden State.

Ja Morant fined $75K for twice making an inappropriate gesture on the playing court.

Morant was previously warned about the gesture.pic.twitter.com/CgkSZDIm5M

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) April 4, 2025

“Every little thing,” Morant said after the game when asked about the finger-gun celebrations, via The Athletic. “If somebody can say something negative about me, it’s going to be out there. I don’t care no more.”

Morant added, “I’m used to it. I’ve pretty much been a villain for two years now.”

The Grizzlies defeated the Heat, 110-108. Morant scored 30 points, sinking a fadeaway shot at the buzzer to give Memphis the victory.

Ja Morant fined after gun gestures

Morant has a history with real guns. On March 4, 2023, the NBA launched an investigation into Morant after a clip of him flashing a gun on an Instagram livestream surfaced. Morant temporarily stepped away from the Grizzlies to learn better methods of dealing with his stress and “overall well-being.” The NBA also leveled an eight-game suspension on the All-Star.

On May 14, 2023, just over two months after Morant’s initial suspension, he flashed a gun again on an Instagram livestream. This time, the NBA suspended him for the first 25 games of the 2023-24 season.

“Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March for which he was already suspended eight games,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in June 2023. “The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning. Under these circumstances, we believe a suspension of 25 games is appropriate and makes clear that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated.”

On3’s Grant Grubbs contributed to this report.