Ja Morant Completes Blockbuster Move from Memphis Grizzlies to Portland Trail Blazers

The NBA witnessed one of the biggest trades of the 2026 offseason as Ja Morant officially left the Memphis Grizzliesand joined the Portland Trail Blazers. The deal ends Morant’s seven-year spell in Memphis and gives both franchises a fresh direction ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. 

Trade Details

Portland Trail Blazers receive:

• Ja Morant

Memphis Grizzlies receive:

• Jerami Grant
• Kris Murray

The Grizzlies also received $1 million in cash considerations as part of the agreement. 

Why Memphis Traded Ja Morant

Ja Morant was once considered the face of the Grizzlies franchise. Since being selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, he won:

• NBA Rookie of the Year (2020)
• NBA Most Improved Player (2022)
• Two NBA All-Star selections
• All-NBA Second Team honors

He helped lead Memphis to multiple playoff appearances and became one of the league’s most exciting players.

However, injuries and off-court issues limited his availability. Over the last three seasons, Morant played just 79 games, causing Memphis to rethink its long-term future. The Grizzlies had already traded away several core players, including Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., signaling the beginning of a rebuild. 

Why Portland Made the Move

The Trail Blazers wanted a proven superstar capable of changing the franchise’s future. Despite the risks surrounding Morant’s recent injury history and suspensions, Portland believes his elite athleticism and playmaking can elevate the team.

Last season, Morant averaged:

• 19.5 points per game
• 8.1 assists per game

For his career, he averages 22.4 points per game, making him one of the NBA’s most explosive point guards. 

What This Means for Portland

Morant joins a crowded backcourt featuring:

• Damian Lillard
• Jrue Holiday
• Scoot Henderson
• Shaedon Sharpe

This gives Portland tremendous offensive firepower but also creates questions about rotations, defense, and ball handling. Reports suggest the organization still expects more roster moves before the start of the season. 

What Memphis Gets

In return, Memphis receives veteran forward Jerami Grant, who averaged 18.6 points per game while shooting nearly 39% from three-point range last season, plus young forward Kris Murray.

Grant provides experience, scoring, and defensive versatility, while Murray offers youth and long-term development potential as the Grizzlies continue rebuilding. 

Can Ja Morant Revive His Career?

Many NBA analysts believe Portland offers Morant the perfect opportunity for a fresh start. A new coaching staff, a different environment, and lower external pressure could help him rediscover the All-Star form that made him one of the league’s brightest young stars. At the same time, questions remain about how he will fit alongside Damian Lillard and whether the Blazers can build a balanced roster around two high-usage guards. 

Final Thoughts

The Ja Morant trade is one of the boldest moves of the 2026 NBA offseason. For Memphis, it marks the official end of an era and the beginning of a rebuild. For Portland, it is a high-risk, high-reward gamble on one of the NBA’s most talented guards. If Morant returns to his All-Star level, the Trail Blazers could become one of the most dangerous teams in the Western Conference. If injuries or fit become issues, the trade could prove much more complicated than it appears today.