Ja Morant Ditches Agent, Grizzlies Contract Shakeup

Merlin sees Ja Morant planning to negotiate his next contract without an agent, becoming the first client of a sports advisory firm that "offers an alternative to usual agency practices and fees." That matters because Morant is taking control of his representation and costs — even though his five-year, $197.23 million deal runs through 2027-28, the choice signals a different approach to how he manages his career and public image. Merlin notes the contrast: when healthy Morant averaged 23.2 points and 7.3 assists, but his resume is marred by suspensions, injuries and shoulder surgery. Choosing an advisory firm is a bold, independent move that buys flexibility, yet it won’t erase the fundamental truth — durability and availability will be the keys to earning true elite pay.