Ja Morant Traded to Trail Blazers as Grizzlies Begin New Era

Posted : 30 June 2026

The Memphis Grizzlies have officially moved on from star guard Ja Morant, trading the two-time NBA All-Star to the Portland Trail Blazers in a deal that marks a significant shift for both franchises. In return, Memphis receives veteran forward Jerami Grant and young forward Kris Murray, while Morant heads to Portland seeking a fresh start after several injury-plagued and controversial seasons.

Following the announcement, the Grizzlies paid tribute to Morant on social media, thanking him for the memorable moments he created during his time with the franchise and for his impact on the team, the city, and its fans.

Morant's departure completes a dramatic overhaul of the Grizzlies' former core. Since being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the opening round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Memphis has traded away Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. Although the trio was once viewed as one of the league's brightest young foundations, the team managed to win just one playoff series across four postseason appearances together.

The Grizzlies are now turning their attention toward the future, with 2026 NBA Draft third overall pick Cameron Boozer expected to play a central role in the franchise's rebuilding plans.

At 26 years old, Morant arrives in Portland hoping to revive his career. Since earning his second straight All-Star selection in 2023, he has appeared in only 79 games over three seasons due to injuries and suspensions. Despite those setbacks, his talent remains undeniable, and the Trail Blazers will be hoping he can rediscover his best form.

Portland enters the new season after returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2021. The team is led by breakout forward Deni Avdija and features an experienced backcourt that includes Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard, who recently rejoined the franchise on a three-year contract after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks. Young guards Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe also provide additional depth, creating a competitive rotation.

Morant remains under contract for two more seasons, with approximately $87 million left on his rookie maximum extension. Grant joins Memphis with one guaranteed year remaining before a $36 million player option for the 2027-28 season, while Murray is expected to become a restricted free agent next summer.

Several of Morant's absences in recent years stemmed from league discipline. He received an eight-game suspension in 2023 for conduct detrimental to the NBA, followed by a 25-game suspension at the start of the 2023-24 season after separate incidents involving firearms displayed during Instagram livestreams. He also served a one-game team suspension last November following a heated exchange with head coach Tuomas Iisalo after a defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Injuries have also limited Morant's availability. Shoulder and elbow problems required season-ending surgeries, preventing him from maintaining consistent form. The Grizzlies reportedly explored moving him before last season's trade deadline, but interest across the league was limited as he was sidelined with injury.

During the shortened campaign, Morant averaged 19.5 points per game while posting career-low shooting percentages of 41.0% from the field and 23.5% from three-point range across 20 appearances. Even so, he leaves Memphis with impressive career averages of 22.4 points and 7.4 assists, giving Portland hope that a change of scenery can help the former All-Star return to his elite level.

Ja Morant Traded to Trail Blazers as Grizzlies Begin New Era

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