NBA insider details potential financial effects of Ja Morant's gun incident: All you need to know
Ja Morant's gun incident is being investigated by the NBA. In the meantime, the Memphis Grizzlies superstar has been suspended and will be away from the team indefinitely.
Morant is a fantastic player, but he's also very problematic. All the controversies that he's been involved in may have severe financial consequences, but for now, it appears that the Grizzlies guard won't lose his sponsors.
Here is what Sam Amick of The Athletic wrote regarding Morant's gun incident and potential consequences:
"The folks at Nike and Powerade, where he has lucrative endorsement deals, have vested interests in the rehabilitation of his image."
The 23-year-old guard has lucractive deals with both Nike and Powerade. However, he will have to change if he wants to retain his sponsors.
Ja Morant has received support from his sponsors, including Nike
Ja Morant is one of the brightest young stars in the NBA. He's been very entertaining to watch and has led the Memphis Grizzlies to one of the best records in the 2022-23 season.
Unsurprisingly, Nike signed the Grizzlies guard to a lucrative deal and he recently received his signature sneakers. The footwear company has invested a lot in the young star and won't cut him just yet.
"We appreciate Ja’s accountability and that he is taking the time to get the help he needs," Nike said in a statement. "We support his prioritization of his well-being."
Nike cares about its image, however, and may cut ties with the Grizzlies superstar if he doesn't change. The company terminated partnership with Kyrie Irving because of all the controversy that he's caused, so Morant is definitely not invincible.
You may be interested in reading: NBA fans troll Powerade for announcing partnership with Ja Morant: "Powerade is laser focused on eliminating the competition"
Besides Nike, Powerade recently teamed up with Ja Morant for its new marketing campaign. The partnership was made shortly before Morant's gun incident, which is very unfortunate for the sports drink company.
Morant is the next face of the league
Amick also pointed out how many superstars will retire very soon, including LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry. All three of them will most likely be out of the league in the next five years, which is why the league needs another star.
Morant has a lot of potential and is one of the best young players. Unfortunately, he hasn't been great off the court, which is what has slightly ruined his image.
You may be interested in reading: How long is Ja Morant's suspension? Understanding who has suspended him now and what the future can be
Morant is only 23, yet he's already one of the best players in the NBA. It's of paramount importance that he rehabilitates his image and starts representing the professional basketball league the way other superstars have represented it.