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Report: Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant being investigated by NBA

Brian Jones Profile Picby:Brian Jones•04/02/25•

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Ja Morant
Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The NBA is investigating Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant using finger gun motions towards the Golden State Warriors’ bench on Tuesday night, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Tim McMahon. When Morant made the motions, it appeared to be in response to Buddy Hield doing the same thing on the Warriors bench as Jimmy Butler shot late free throws. Morant and Hield both earned double technical fouls for the gestures.

Stephen Curry was surprised to see Ja Morant make the gesture, and Draymond Green asked the officials to give him a foul. It was an interesting move for the 25-year-old since the Grizzlies were losing to the Warriors at the time (they lost 134-125). But Morant has a history with guns as he was suspended for 25 games in the 2023-24 season for filming himself posing with a firearm in a car and in a nightclub.

“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.”

Ja Morant was suspended for 25 games during the 2023-24 NBA season

“I’ve had time to reflect and realize how much hurt I’ve caused,” Ja Morant said in a statement at the time. “I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates and the city of Memphis. … I’m spending the offseason and my suspension continuing to work on my own mental health and decision-making. “I’m also going to be training so that I’m ready to go when I can be back on the court. … I hope you’ll give me the chance to prove to you over time I’m a better man than what I’ve been showing.”

Morant has been with the Grizzlies since being drafted by the team in 2019 at No. 2 overall. In his career, the former Murray State star has been named to the All-Star team twice and selected to the All-NBA Second Team in 2022. This year, Morant is averaging 22.7 points and 7.4 assists in 46 games.