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Photo: Grizzlies Star Ja Morant's 2nd Signature Shoe 'Nike Ja 2' Unveiled

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVJuly 16, 2024

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 03: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball down court during the game against the Toronto Raptors at FedExForum on January 03, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Justin Ford/Getty Images

Photos of the second edition for Ja Morant's signature Nike sneaker were shared online Tuesday.

While the purple colorway is new, the general design matches up with what has previously leaked about the dedicated kicks for the Memphis Grizzlies star. Nicholas Vlahos of Sole Retriever reported the Ja 2 "Stargazer" is scheduled for an October release date.

B/R Kicks @brkicks

FIRST LOOK at the Nike Ja 2, <a href="https://twitter.com/JaMorant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JaMorant</a>'s second signature sneaker with the brand.<br><br>These are said to be releasing in October for a retail of $120👀<br><br>(via prm.cotd/IG) <a href="https://t.co/7TFLvX2Ejd">pic.twitter.com/7TFLvX2Ejd</a>

The NBA suspended Morant for eight games in March 2023 after a video posted to social media showed him holding a firearm in a Denver-area nightclub. The league subsequently levied a 25-game ban that June after a video showing him wielding a firearm in a car was posted to IG Live.

Nike maintained its relationship with the two-time All-Star. Following his second infraction, the company said it "will continue to support him on and off the court."

Morant is coming off a 2023-24 season in which he was limited to just nine games. His suspension went into effect at the start of the year. Then less than a month into his campaign, he suffered a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery.

When healthy, Morant is one of the most dynamic players in the NBA. He's averaging 22.5 points and 7.4 assists through five years, and he helped Memphis notch back-to-back 50-win seasons from 2020-2022.

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins confirmed the 24-year-old is cleared for full workouts, putting him on track to return for opening night. His presence will make the team a playoff contender in the loaded Western Conference once again.