Ja Morant traded to Portland Trail Blazers

The Memphis Grizzlies dealt two‑time NBA All‑Star guard Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for forwards Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. Morant, 26, will play under a two‑year contract worth $42.17 million for 2026‑27 and $44.89 million for 2027‑28, after which he becomes a free agent in 2028.

Morant’s tenure in Memphis was marked by prolific play but also by injuries and multiple suspensions, including a 25‑game ban in 2023 for displaying firearms on social media. He appeared in only 79 games over the past three seasons.

Portland’s roster now includes veteran guards Jrue Holiday, Damian Lillard and young talent Scoot Henderson, along with forward Deni Avdija. Head coach Micah Nori said Morant is “motivated” and “ready” to contribute, noting the player’s enthusiasm after a meeting in South Carolina. The Blazers view the trade as a fresh start for Morant and a potential boost to their Western Conference standing.

Local commentary has been sharply critical; Portland columnist Bill Oram called the trade an “affront to the fanbase” and suggested it could reignite tensions reminiscent of the franchise’s early‑2000s “Jail Blazers” era. The trade nonetheless represents the most high‑profile move of the NBA offseason to date.