Ja Morant traded to Portland Trail Blazers in three‑player deal with Memphis

Two‑time NBA All‑Star point guard Ja Morant, 26, was dealt by the Memphis Grizzlies to the Portland Trail Blazers in a three‑player transaction. Portland received Morant in exchange for veteran forward Jerami Grant and forward/wing Kris Murray. Morant, who has $42.17 million due in 2026‑27 and $44.89 million in 2027‑28, has played only 20 games last season and 79 over the past three years because of injuries and a 25‑game suspension related to a gun‑related incident. The trade ends the Grizzlies’ rebuild around Morant, Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., and gives Memphis a veteran wing in Grant and a young reserve in Murray. Portland now adds Morant to a backcourt already stacked with Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, and coaches envision a starting duo of Lillard and Morant with Deni Avdija on the wing. Analysts note concerns about Morant’s shooting and defensive fit, while also suggesting the move could position Portland to still pursue a Jaylen Brown deal. Reactions across the league highlight the trade’s surprise factor and the risk of banking on Morant’s health and consistency.