Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant is entering the 2025-26 NBA season with renewed vigor, described as the “happiest he’s been in four years” by Grizzlies insider Chris Vernon on The Ringer’s podcast on August 4, 2025. The 25-year-old, who has faced significant challenges including injuries and off-court controversies, appears to have emerged from a tough period that saw him play just 59 games over the past two seasons. Vernon highlighted Morant’s positive mindset during his Nike “Let Them Watch” world tour to promote his Ja 3 sneaker, noting, “This is by far the happiest I have seen him in four years,” a stark contrast to the “despondent” and “mopey” demeanor Morant exhibited amid setbacks.[](https://thesportsrush.com/nba-news-ja-morant-is-the-happiest-hes-been-in-4-years-says-grizzlies-insider/)
Morant’s struggles began after his breakout 2021-22 season, where he earned All-NBA Second Team honors and led Memphis to a No. 2 seed in the Western Conference with 56 wins. However, suspensions for displaying a gun on social media in 2023—eight games and later 25 games—coupled with a season-ending shoulder surgery in January 2024, limited him to nine games last season, where he averaged 25.1 points. The Grizzlies’ 27-55 record without him prompted the drafting of Purdue’s Zach Edey, with whom Morant has been building chemistry since his mid-July clearance from rehab. Coach Tuomas Iisalo, who replaced Taylor Jenkins in March 2025, praised Morant’s leadership, saying, “He’s got command of the gym, and people listen when he speaks.”[](https://www.espn.in/nba/story/_/id/41537783/grizzlies-ja-morant-happy-healthy-heading-season)
The Grizzlies’ offseason moves, including trading Desmond Bane and signing Jaren Jackson Jr. to a $239.9 million extension, signal a commitment to rebuilding around Morant, who has three years and $126.5 million left on his supermax contract. Despite a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, marked by a first-round playoff sweep to Oklahoma City and a hip injury that sidelined him for Game 4, Morant’s recent performances—like a 22-point, nine-assist effort against Dallas in the play-in tournament—show flashes of his All-Star form. His “finger gun” and “grenade” celebrations, however, drew a $75,000 fine and criticism, with TNT’s Charles Barkley calling them “immature.”[](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6314308/2025/04/26/memphis-grizzlies-ja-morant-sweep-zach-kleiman/)[](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44625683/grizzlies-morant-doing-grenade-celebration-problem)
As Memphis prepares for their season opener against the Denver Nuggets on October 23, 2025, Morant’s revitalized spirit and health are cause for optimism. His global tour and work with teammates like Edey reflect a player eager to reclaim his status as a franchise-altering talent. With the NBA seeking its next face post-LeBron James and Stephen Curry, Morant’s dynamic play—evidenced by 47 career triple-doubles and a 2022 career-high 52 points against San Antonio—positions him as a contender. The Grizzlies, bolstered by Morant’s leadership and new additions, aim to recapture their 50-win form, with Morant’s joy on the court potentially sparking a redemption arc for both him and the team.[](https://thesportsrush.com/nba-news-ja-morant-is-the-happiest-hes-been-in-4-years-says-grizzlies-insider/)[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ja_Morant)
