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Ja Morant Leaks Nike Ja 3 "Kool-Aid" Amid Trade Rumors

Ja Morant drew attention away from trade rumors by previewing a Nike collaboration with Kool-Aid.
Pat Benson|
Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant leaked the Nike Ja 3 "Kool-Aid" online.
Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant leaked the Nike Ja 3 "Kool-Aid" online. | Matthew Smith-Imagn Images

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Memphis Grizzlies

Trade rumors are swirling around Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant. It seems possible, maybe even likely, that the team that drafted the NBA All-Star is ready to move him before the trade deadline.

With wall-to-wall coverage of his possible trade, Morant distracted some fans and media by leaking the upcoming Nike Ja 3 "Kool-Aid" colorway on his Instagram story.

The Nike Ja 3 "Kool-Aid" colorway is expected to be released in Summer 2026 for $130 in adult sizes. While Nike has already previewed the "Spring/Summer" collection of Nike Ja 3 colorways, this is a new development.

The "Kool-Aid" colorway sports a tasy blend of Lemon Venom, Light Photo Blue, Deep Royal Blue, Light Green Spark, /Pink Beam, and Hyper Pink on the mismatched shoes.

Morant's signature Nike sneaker line has teamed up with Kool-Aid on collaborations in the past. While those were popular, every colorway looks better on the Nike Ja 3.

In addition to the Kool-Aid collaboration, the Nike Ja 3 will get multiple "Jurassic Park" colorways as part of a limited-edition collection. Meanwhile, Morant also showed off ten college colorways for Nike programs in the NCAA.

It is disappointing that Morant is having such a rough season while his signature sneaker line is hitting its peak in popularity. But like all things related to Morant, it does not come without controversy. Rapper 2 Chainz joined the chorus of dissatisfied consumers who are complaining about the shoe's performance problems.

Tech specs for the Nike Ja 3 include a full-length Hybrid ZoomX foam complemented by a foam sockliner, a traction pattern featuring all-over mini Ja logos, plus padded collars that add extra cushioning. Lastly, the mesh breathable upper makes the perfect canvas to tell Morant's story.

Despite some negative reviews, there is no denying that the shoes look phenomenal. Online shoppers can check out Morant's signature sneaker collection at Nike.com.

Regardless of where Morant plays, fans can expect more fire colorways of the Nike Ja 3. Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's Kicks On SI for all your footwear news from the sports world and beyond.

More NBA Footwear News

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The Nike LeBron 23 "Arizona Wildcats" is a nod to Bryce James.

The Nike Zoom Hyperflight is dropping in Jason Williams' player-exclusive colorway.

Jordan Brand brought back one of Ray Allen's basketball shoes.

Stephen Curry dispelled a popular theory about his sneaker free agency.

Published | Modified
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Kicks On Sports Illustrated. As a leading voice in footwear journalism, he breaks news, spotlights important stories, and interviews the biggest names in sports. Previously, Pat has reported on the NBA and authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)." You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

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