Ja Morant says his move to Portland offers a fresh start and an opportunity to reshape his public image.

Posted : 12 July 2026

^{Former Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant says his trade to the Portland Trail Blazers represents the fresh start he has been waiting for, as the two-time NBA All-Star looks to move beyond the controversies that overshadowed his final years in Memphis and rebuild his reputation on and off the court.}

^{Speaking publicly for the first time since completing his move to Portland, Morant admitted that changing the perception surrounding his name is one of his biggest motivations. The 26-year-old believes the mistakes that led to his suspensions have already been addressed and hopes his actions moving forward will define the next chapter of his career rather than his past.}

^{"I get to show the fans in Portland a different Ja," Morant said. "It's like starting all over again. I've grown a lot, learned a lot and my mindset has changed. I feel more mature, and I'm ready to work."}

^{Morant enjoyed considerable success during his seven seasons with the Grizzlies, helping the franchise reach the NBA playoffs four times and establishing himself as one of the league's most explosive point guards. However, his career was interrupted by disciplinary issues in 2023, when he received an eight-game suspension followed by a 25-game ban for separate incidents involving firearms on Instagram Live. Those events significantly damaged his public image and limited his availability over the following seasons.}

^{In addition to the suspensions, injuries have also slowed Morant's progress. He appeared in only 20 games last season but still averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists per game before being sidelined. The guard said he has spent the offseason rebuilding his fitness and now feels fully healthy ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.}

^{Portland acquired Morant in a headline-grabbing trade with Memphis, adding another elite playmaker to a talented roster that includes Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Deni Avdija, Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Despite the team's depth in the backcourt, Morant insisted he is willing to embrace whatever role best helps the Trail Blazers compete.}

^{He believes playing alongside experienced teammates will allow everyone to elevate their games, stressing that individual minutes and starting roles are secondary to team success.}

^{Away from basketball, Morant said Portland's quieter lifestyle also appealed to him. Having frequently visited Oregon through his partnership with Nike, he has grown to enjoy outdoor activities such as cycling, kayaking and spending time in nature, describing them as important to maintaining a healthier mindset.}

^{Although his NBA journey is taking him in a new direction, Morant made it clear he harbors no resentment toward Memphis. He described the city as a place that will "always be home" and said he remains close with many of his former teammates, appreciating the support he received from Grizzlies fans throughout his career.}

^{With a new team, a fresh environment and renewed motivation, Morant hopes the coming season will be remembered less for his past controversies and more for his impact on the court as he begins the next phase of his NBA career.}

Ja Morant says his move to Portland offers a fresh start and an opportunity to reshape his public image.

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics