The Portland Trail Blazers traded for troubled star guard Ja Morant. The Blazers sent forwards Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to the Grizzlies in exchange for Morant.
The Blazers hope to revitalize Morant’s career and pair him with star Damian Lillard in the backcourt. Morant’s career has been on a down turn following injuries and several behavioral problems with the league stemming from postings on social media, and public incidents involving guns.
Morant played all seven years in Memphis, averaging 22 pts and 7 rebounds. He helped the Grizzlies to the playoffs in three of the seven years during his tenure in Memphis. He helped them to the western conference semifinals during the 2021-22 season. He played in a total of 79 games the past three seasons, including only 9 during the 2023-24 season and just 20 games last season(2025-26). Most of those missed games were due to injuries and suspensions. He has never played a full 82 game season.
The rookie of the year, most improved player, and two time all star gives the Blazers a third star player (along with Lillard and Avdija), but also creates a log jam at the guard position with veteran Jrue Holiday and up and comer Scoot Henderson also vying for minutes.
Questions also remain whether Lillard and Morant can start together, though the Blazers seem to suggest this is the plan. Morant is a huge risk, but seems to welcome the change of scenery himself. All in all, no picks were hurt in the making of this trade.
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