If you’ve walked through FedExForum lately or just scrolled through NBA Twitter, you’ve seen it. That bright red flash. Or maybe the sleek, "chromed-out" black aesthetic that looks more like a midnight street race than a basketball game.
The ja morant city jersey isn't just a piece of polyester. Honestly, it’s become a cultural touchstone in Memphis. But between the "1224" drops, the Vancouver throwbacks, and the newest 2024-25 red "Memphis Sounds" edition, things get confusing. People constantly mix up which jersey represents which era.
Let’s be real: buying the wrong one is a bummer, especially when these things retail for $125 and up.
The Red Revolution: The 2024-25 Memphis Sounds Look
Most fans were shocked when the Grizzlies dropped a bright red jersey. "Red? In Memphis?" Yeah. It feels weird until you know the history.
This specific ja morant city jersey pays homage to the 50th anniversary of the Memphis Sounds. Back in 1974, the ABA team was a vibe. They were co-owned by Stax legend Isaac Hayes. Think about that for a second. The guy who wrote the "Theme from Shaft" owned a pro basketball team in Memphis.
The jersey features:
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- A striking red base (total 1970s energy).
- "Record gold" accents—a nod to the 2020-21 "Memphis Soul" jerseys.
- A "G-Note" logo on the shorts that blends the 90s Grizzlies "G" with a musical note.
- Beale Street Blue trim to keep it grounded in the current era.
It’s a massive departure from the dark blues and grays we usually see Ja wearing. It’s loud. It’s flashy. It’s exactly what Morant’s game feels like when he’s posterizing centers twice his size.
Why the 1224 Jersey Still Dominates the Streets
You’ll still see a lot of people hunting for the 2023-24 "1224" City Edition. This one was all about the "pure joy" of the game. It was black with gold and white accents, featuring the "MEM" airport code.
Why "1224"?
It's a play on Ja’s number 12 and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s number 13 (though the branding leaned into the date-style numbering). But mostly, it just looked "hard." The chromed-out lettering was inspired by Memphis hip-hop culture and the city’s massive bridge.
Interestingly, despite the newer red versions being the "official" current City Edition, the secondary market for the black 1224 version is still insane. You’ve probably noticed they’re hard to find in standard sizes like Medium or Large on the official NBA Store.
The Vancouver Confusion
Here is what most people get wrong. A lot of fans search for a ja morant city jersey but they are actually looking for the Teal "Vancouver" throwback.
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Technically, that's a Classic Edition, not a City Edition.
Nike and the NBA distinguish between the two. The "City" line changes every single year to tell a new story about the local community. The "Classic" line brings back old-school jerseys from the past. Ja in the teal Vancouver jersey is arguably the most iconic image of his early career, but don't call it a City Edition if you're talking to a jersey collector. They’ll correct you. Fast.
Is It Actually Worth the $200 for an "Authentic" Version?
If you’re looking to buy, you’ll see two main price points.
- The Swingman ($125): This is what 90% of people buy. It’s heat-applied twill. It’s durable. You can throw it in the wash (inside out, please, for the love of everything).
- The Authentic ($199 - $250): This is the on-court spec. It has the zig-zag stitching. It uses Dri-FIT ADV technology.
Honestly? Unless you’re framing it or you’re a serious "jersey head," the Swingman is plenty. The Authentic fits a lot tighter—it’s designed for professional athletes with zero body fat. If you’re wearing it over a hoodie to a game, stick with the Swingman and save the $75 for some Central BBQ.
How to Spot a Fake (Because the Scams are Everywhere)
Because Ja Morant is currently ranked 7th or 8th in total NBA jersey sales (out-selling even MVPs like Nikola Jokic), the "bootleg" market is flooded.
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If you see a 2024-25 red City Edition for $35 on a random website, it’s fake. Period.
Real Nike jerseys have a very specific "jock tag" at the bottom left. The silver NBA logo should have a slight shimmer, not a flat dull plastic look. Also, check the "G-Note" on the leg. On fakes, the gold often looks more like a muddy yellow than the "Record Gold" Nike uses.
Where the Ja Morant Jersey Goes From Here
The 2025 season has been a bit of a "climb back" for Ja. Seeing his #12 back in the top-selling lists shows that the "Bluff City" still has his back. Whether he's in the red Sounds jersey or the core navy Icon edition, the jersey is a status symbol in the 901.
If you’re trying to stay current, the move is definitely the Red Memphis Sounds kit. It’s the most "Memphis" a jersey has felt in years because it connects the dots between the ABA roots, the Stax music history, and the current "GrzNxtGen" era.
Your Next Steps for Grabbing the Right Fit:
- Check the Sizing: Nike jerseys run a bit slim. If you’re between sizes, go up.
- Verify the Era: If you want the one with the musical roots, search for "2024-25 City Edition."
- Wash With Care: Never, ever put a jersey in the dryer. The heat destroys the heat-pressed numbers. Hang dry it like a pro.
- Shop Official: Stick to the Grizzlies Store, Fanatics, or Nike.com. If you’re going the eBay route for an older black "1224" jersey, make sure it has the Panini or PSA authentication if it’s signed.
The Grizzlies are currently hovering around a 29-15 record this season, and the hype is only growing. Getting your gear now before the playoff rush is probably the smartest play you can make.