Grizzlies trading Ja Morant to Trail Blazers as $150m NBA star handed career reset

Jun 29, 2026 - 23:15

The Memphis Grizzlies are trading Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers.

A two-time NBA All-Star who was once seen as the face of the franchise, Morant played only 20 games in a disappointing 2025-26 season.

Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball during overtime against the Philadelphia 76ers at FedExForum on December 30, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. — Morant has been traded by the Grizzlies to end his seven-year spell in Memphis

The blockbuster trade, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Monday, ends his roller-coaster seven-year tenure in Memphis.

After arriving as the second overall pick of the 2019 draft, Morant helped the Grizzlies to some of the most successful seasons in franchise history, but also suffered with with injuries and off-court drama.

“The Memphis Grizzlies are trading two-time NBA All-Star Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray,” Charnia posted Monday afternoon.

It had long been expected that he would depart, as Memphis had explored the trade market for the former Rookie of the Year before last season’s deadline, only to find little interest from other teams.

Morant played a total of only 79 games over the past three campaigns for the Grizzlies, due to multiple suspensions and various injuries.

He made just shy of $150 million during his seven-year run with the team, having signed a five-year, $197.2 million contract in July 2022.

Morant still has two years and around $87m left on his maximum rookie extension.

Ja Morant handed career reset in Trail Blazers trade

Unable to rely on a man who was viewed as one of the NBA’s rising stars coming off back-to-back All-Star honors in 2022 and 2023, the Grizzlies struggled last season.

They finished with a dismal 25-57 record, having already traded away guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, and former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz.

Morant’s exit signals the end of that era in Memphis.

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 31: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the first half against the Boston Celtics at FedExForum on March 31, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) — Morant’s exit signals the end of an era in Memphis

The man himself, though, will be handed a career reset as he joins a young Blazers team fresh off its first playoff appearance since 2021.

Portland is headlined by breakout star Deni Avdija, and has a backcourt already crowded with veterans.

Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard — who returned to the franchise in 2025 — will be awaiting Morant’s arrival.

While the 26-year-old has faced his share of injury issues, some of his absences in recent years have been due to suspensions.

Morant served an eight-game ban in March 2023 due to conduct detrimental to the league and sat out 25 games to open the following season.

Both of those suspensions stemmed from footage of him displaying a firearm on an Instagram Live stream.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 23: Ja Morant #12 listens to head coach Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on February 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Grizzlies 129-123. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) — Morant has missed time through both injuries and suspensions in recent years

Morant was also suspended for one game by the Grizzlies last season after a confrontation with coach Tuomas Iisalo.

According to reports at the time, Iisalo challenged Morant’s leadership, and the player responded in a tone the franchise ‘deemed inappropriate.‘

He was also seen butting heads with a teammate in January.

A divorce, perhaps, has been coming for quite some time, and it’s one that hands Morant a fresh start in Portland.

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