Grizzlies trading Ja Morant to Trail Blazers in blockbuster move

Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News on Jun 29, 2026

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NEW YORK — After months of speculation, Ja Morant is on the move.

In an aggressive swing, the Portland Trail Blazers are acquiring the two-time All-Star guard in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, ESPN reported.

Veteran forward Jerami Grant and 25-year-old forward Kris Murray are headed to Memphis in return.

The high-flying Morant, 26, has averaged 22.4 points and 7.4 assists per game over seven NBA seasons, and he remains among the most physically gifted players in the sport.

Injuries and off-the-court issues, however, have limited Morant to a total of 79 games over the past three years, including only 20 last season.

He served separate suspensions in 2023 that were both related to displaying a firearm in social media videos.

Meanwhile, a UCL sprain in Morant’s left elbow ended his 2025-26 season prematurely, with the Grizzlies shutting him down amid their tank to secure better draft lottery odds.

Morant is the third star player traded away by Memphis in the past 13 months.

Last summer, the Grizzlies sent sharp-shooting guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for a haul that included four first-round picks.

Then in February, they traded shot-blocking forward Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz for a package that included three first-round picks.

The return for Morant was smaller, but it allows the Grizzlies to turn the page and build around rookie forward Cameron Boozer, whom they selected No. 3 overall in last week’s NBA draft.

The Blazers, who just went 42-40 and finished as the No. 7 seed in the loaded Western Conference, are buying low on Morant as they try to take another step.

Morant joins a young core headlined by forward Deni Avdija and center Donovan Clingan. Portland also employs veteran guard Jrue Holiday, who could either help them contend or become a trade candidate.

Damian Lillard is set to return after sitting out last season to recover from an Achilles tear.

The Blazers own considerable draft capital, too, which could help facilitate more win-now moves this offseason.

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