Suspended Grizzlies star Ja Morant's nightclub incident could cost him $39 million: report

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Ja Morant has quickly become a superstar. The Memphis Grizzlies guard has a unique skill set and is often the most gifted athlete on the basketball court on any given night.

His high-flying slam dunks have taken the internet by storm over the past couple of years, and he has helped lift his team to multiple playoff appearances and a division title. Last July, the Grizzlies rewarded Morant with a five-year supermax contract extension.

The contract included incentives which entitled Morant to nearly a quarter-billion dollars if he met certain thresholds this season.

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Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Feb. 23, 2023. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Now, Morant has garnered a significant amount of attention on the internet, but for reasons that have nothing to do with his on the court feats. 

Morant briefly flashed a handgun at a strip club near Denver in an Instagram Live video on March 4. The ensuing fallout resulted in an eight-game suspension without pay for conduct detrimental to the league, the NBA announced Wednesday.

But the impact of Morant's actions could further cost the star athlete an estimated $39 million.

JA MORANT BREAKS SILENCE ON VIRAL VIDEO WHERE HE FLASHED GUN AT CLUB: 'NOT WHO I AM'

Per an NBA rule known as the "Derrick Rose Rule," a team can pay 30% of its salary cap to any player that signs a maximum Designated Rookie extension, if that player meets certain qualifications.

Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles during the game against the