The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired Ja Morant, a two-time All-Star, from the Memphis Grizzlies in a trade. The move is set to revive Morant's career, which has been hindered by injuries and suspensions.
What happened?
The Trail Blazers sent forwards Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to the Grizzlies as part of the deal. Morant has averaged 22.4 points for his career but has played only 79 games over the last three seasons. He was drafted as the No 2 selection in the 2019 draft and was crowned the Rookie of the Year in 2020.
Why it matters for Portland Trail Blazers
The addition of Morant adds to a logjam at point guard for the Trail Blazers, with Jrue Holiday, Damian Lillard, and Scoot Henderson also on the roster. The team's recent form has been poor, with a record of 0W-0D-5L in their last 5 games, including a loss to the San Antonio Spurs 114-95 on 2026-04-29. | Date | Opponent | Score | | --- | --- | --- | | 2026-04-29 | San Antonio Spurs | 114-95 |
What comes next?
The Trail Blazers' new owner, Tom Dundon, may not be done making moves, and the team's fans will be eager to see how Morant fits into the roster. Morant's career has been marked by suspensions, including a 25-match ban for holding a gun while in a vehicle. He has said that he is used to being a lightning rod for criticism and is looking to move forward. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, will be looking to rebuild their team after trading away their young core, including Morant, Dillon Brooks, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane. The Trail Blazers will be hoping that Morant can regain his form and help the team improve their record.
Current context
The Trail Blazers' last result was a loss to the San Antonio Spurs, and they will be looking to bounce back from this defeat. Their recent form has been poor, but the addition of Morant may be the boost they need to turn their season around. The team's fans will be eager to see how Morant fits into the roster and how he can help the team improve their record. The Trail Blazers' next game will be crucial in determining their chances of making the playoffs, and they will be hoping that Morant can make an immediate impact.
