Saturday, the OKC Thunder bested the Memphis Grizzlies in a tightly contested Game 4 showdown by a final score of 117-115.
Not only does this win punch their ticket to a second consecutive Western Conference Semifinal appearance, but it also officially sends the Grizzlies into a 2025 offseason that will likely require high-stakes decisions and could see some significant shakeups made to the franchise's core foundation.
Perhaps the biggest question on everyone's mind when it comes to Memphis: What does the future have in store for point guard Ja Morant?
Despite having established himself as the club's centerpiece throughout his six-year tenure, due to off-court issues and underwhelming playoff successes, questions concerning the All-Star's ability to serve as a focal point contributor on a championship-hopeful squad have started to arise over the past two seasons, especially throughout the months since the surprise firing of Taylor Jenkins.
Now, after suffering a hip contusion mid-way through Game 3 that forced him out for the remainder of their round-one sweep, his well-documented injury history is becoming all the more buzz-worthy as they enter into the offseason.
Thunder may have officially ended Ja Morant era in Memphis
Despite the fact that the Grizzlies improved by 21 wins compared to last year with Morant largely back in the fold (missed all but nine games in 2023-24 due to suspension and injuries), throughout the season it was quite apparent that the 25-year-old's production and averages had dipped a bit compared to years past.
From his scoring numbers (23.2) to his driving frequency (dropped by an average of 3.5 compared to his last fully healthy season in 2022-23), the point guard was far from his razzle-dazzle self this year, which, in turn, sparked serious scepticism over his future status as Memphis' cornerstone.
Although GM Zach Kleiman may have attempted to control and quiet the noise concerning the possibility of a Morant departure anytime soon, going so far as to refer to the rumblings as "fantasy" back in February, there have seemingly been considerable signs of turmoil coming from the organization since then.
Their recent four-game departure from the playoffs at the hands of the Thunder and Morant being made unavailable for roughly half of the series only adds more fuel to the fire.
Only 48 hours removed from their elimination, trade rumors have already started to pick up steam.
2024-25 may have been the final chapter of the Ja Morant era out in Memphis, and, if this proves to be the case, the OKC Thunder are the ones that officially closed the book.