The Memphis Grizzlies pulled out a shocker when they traded franchise cornerstone Ja Morant. Earlier this summer, in June, the Grizzlies traded Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray.

Three months from the surprise trade, Morant’s six-word reaction was revealed only recently. In a video that surfaced on social media, the two-time NBA All-Star was seen showing his genuine reaction to what was supposed to be a long-term stay.

“They sent me to Portland, man,” he said in the video, which was supposed to be recorded from a ring camera on the door.

Ja Morant’s reaction to getting traded:

“Damn, they sent me to Portland.”

(h/t @MaskedMem12) pic.twitter.com/cxfPHkbdjp

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 19, 2026

After initial dissatisfaction with the franchise, the trade rumors started surfacing as early as January of this year. Morant lands in Portland after the Grizzlies’ trade that ended his bittersweet seven-year stint at the franchise.

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The trade brought an end to a complicated stretch for Morant in Memphis. His production and availability became increasingly unreliable for the Grizzlies, with injuries and suspensions limiting his time on the floor.

Morant appeared in only nine games during the 2023-24 season after serving a 25-game suspension before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery, and he played just 20 games in 2025-26.

Portland is now betting on Morant staying healthy and returning to the level that made him a two-time All-Star, while taking on the $87.1 million remaining on his contract over the next two seasons.

With the 2026-27 NBA season kicking off on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Trail Blazers are looking forward to a new roster setup. And Morant would remain at the center of the game plan, to say the least.