The NBA has granted the Memphis Grizzlies a $12.4 million disabled player exception following Ja Morant’s season-ending injury, according to ESPN. This exception allows the Grizzlies to either sign a player to a one-year deal or acquire a player in the final year of their contract. The team has until March 11 to utilize the exception.

 

Morant suffered a shoulder subluxation during a practice earlier this month, and subsequent MRI results revealed a labral tear, which required season-ending surgery. However, he is expected to make a full recovery in time for the 2024-25 season.

 

Unfortunately, this season has been a lost one for the two-time All-Star, as he only managed to play nine games. He began the season serving a 25-game suspension for engaging in conduct detrimental to the league. Specifically, Morant had posed with a gun during a live-streamed video for the second time within a short period.

 

Throughout his five NBA seasons, Morant, the former No. 2 overall pick, has averaged 22.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game.