Breaking: NBA Announces Ja Morant Punishment After Grizzlies-Heat

The NBA has handed Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant a punishment after his controversial gesture during the Miami Heat game

Apr 3, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) dribbles the basketball against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

In Tuesday's loss to the Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was caught on video doing a finger-gun gesture toward the opposing bench. Due to his history with firearms, the NBA investigated the action, along with Warriors' Buddy Hield doing it back, and handed them both a warning.

But, Ja Morant does not learn.

On Thursday night, the Grizzlies traveled to take on the Miami Heat, and Morant did the same exact finger-gun gesture not once, but twice. The same day that Morant was handed a warning from the NBA, he went out and intentionally did it again.

Ja Morant was issued a warning by the NBA for making a gun gesture on Tuesday night.

Tonight, he brought the celebration back. pic.twitter.com/p71Z70oKup

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 4, 2025

Due to Morant making the gesture again on Thursday night, the NBA has decided to hand him an actual punishment, fining him $75,000.

"Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has been fined $75,000 for twice making an inappropriate gesture on the playing court, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. Morant was previously warned by the league office that this gesture could be interpreted in a negative light," NBA Communications announced.

The following was released by the NBA: pic.twitter.com/rQfUDpj1Ao

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 4, 2025

Morant finished Thursday's game with 30 points and the game-winning buzzer-beater, but his incredible performance will be overshadowed by his silly antics. While, of course, this was Morant sending a message to the league, he is certainly paying for it.

Via Ja Morant: "ja this .. ja that .. 😂"

ja this .. ja that .. 😂

— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) April 2, 2025

Morant's consistent antics and controversies are certainly creating concern for the Grizzlies organization, and with trade rumors already circulating ahead of the offseason, this is not an ideal situation.