The 2024-25 NBA season ended in bittersweet
fashion for Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant. Despite showing flashes of brilliance on the court, his campaign was once again marred by injury. Morant averaged an impressive 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds across 50 regular-season games, reaffirming his position as one of the league’s most dynamic guards. However, his postseason journey was abruptly cut short due to a hip injury sustained in Game 3 of the first-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
That game, which initially appeared to be a statement win for Memphis—leading by 29 points at the time of Morant’s injury—quickly turned into a collapse. Without their star floor general, the Grizzlies fell apart and were ultimately swept from the playoffs, a disappointing end to a season filled with highs and lows.
In the weeks since the Grizzlies’ playoff exit, speculation about Morant’s future with the franchise has grown louder. The electrifying guard has missed 126 games over the past three seasons, largely due to injuries and off-court issues. This inconsistent availability has raised concerns within the organization and among league insiders. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon added fuel to the fire during a recent episode of The Hoop Collective Podcast, stating that “whispering and rumbling” has begun around the league regarding the possibility of a Ja Morant trade.
Despite the swirling rumors and uncertainty surrounding his future in Memphis, Morant made a notable public appearance—but not in the way many expected. Instead of addressing his status with the team, he took to Instagram to unveil a highly anticipated collaboration with Nike: a special edition of his second signature shoe, the Nike Ja 2, in partnership with Kool-Aid.
Dubbed the “Mixed Berry” colorway, the new sneaker design is a vibrant homage to Morant’s childhood memories. Featuring mismatched designs inspired by his favorite Kool-Aid flavors—Blue Raspberry and Cherry—the shoes reflect both playfulness and nostalgia. The sneaker also prominently features the iconic Kool-Aid Man, along with his famous catchphrase, “Ohhh Yeah!” It’s a unique mix of athletic performance and pop culture charm.
In a nod to his roots, Morant shared that the collaboration was deeply personal. Kool-Aid, he explained, was a staple during his childhood visits to his grandmother’s house in South Carolina. The Nike x Kool-Aid partnership captures that sense of comfort, fun, and identity that shaped Morant long before he stepped onto an NBA court.
While this announcement is clearly centered on his growing influence off the court, it comes at a critical time. It may be a calculated move—shifting the focus away from trade speculation and back onto his brand. It also signals Morant’s continued marketability despite the controversies and injury setbacks that have defined recent seasons.
As the NBA offseason unfolds, the question remains: Will Ja Morant continue to be the face of the Memphis Grizzlies, or is this the beginning of a new chapter elsewhere? For now, the only certainty is that Morant’s presence—on and off the court—continues to command attention. Whether it’s through highlight-reel plays or eye-catching sneaker releases, he remains one of the league’s most compelling figures.
