I'd be shocked if that wasn't part of the thought process when deciding on his suspension. I was thinking 15 games (which would mean if he missed 3 games he'd be ineligible for awards) but 25 guarantees it.
I haven't been paying a lot of attention but AFAIK the player's association hasn't argued the length of the suspension. To me that was the big sticking point with a long suspension being handed down but I'm guessing the NBA discussed it with them first to avoid that.
And yes, while Morant still has a monster extension kicking in this season, his behavior is costing him a lot in terms of potential bonuses as well as endorsements.
