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Portland lands All-Star Ja Morant from Memphis Grizzlies

PUBLISHED Jun 30, 2026, 6:08 AM ET

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Portland, Oregon, will be the new home of two-time NBA All-Star guard Ja Morant after the Trail Blazers and Memphis Grizzlies completed a major trade announced on June 29, 2026. Memphis sent Morant and $1 million in cash to Portland in exchange for veteran forward Jerami Grant and young forward Kris Murray. Morant, 26, was drafted second overall by Memphis in 2019 and averaged 22.4 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game, winning Rookie of the Year in 2020 and Most Improved Player in 2021-22. His tenure in Memphis was interrupted by injuries and two league suspensions related to firearm incidents.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2019 Morant drafted second overall Memphis
2020 Wins NBA Rookie of Year
2021-22 Leads Grizzlies to 56 wins
March 2023 Receives eight-game league suspension
Late 2023 Given 25-game conduct suspension
Last three seasons Plays only 79 games
June 29 2026 Trade first reported publicly
June 29 2026 Deal finalized and announced

News Intelligence

This trade shakes up the NBA landscape. If you're a Portland fan, you're gaining a dynamic player in Morant. But remember, his past suspensions and injuries have affected his play. Keep an eye on how he fits into the Trail Blazers' system.