The Memphis Grizzlies traded two-time NBA All-Star point guard Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday. In exchange for Morant, Memphis acquired forwards Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. ESPN insider Shams Charania officially reported the transaction.
The trade creates a crowded backcourt in Portland under new owner Tom Dundon and first-year head coach Micah Nori. Morant joins a guard rotation that currently includes Scoot Henderson, Jrue Holiday, and Damian Lillard, who is returning from a torn Achilles, creating a congested backcourt situation. Reports indicate Portland remains active in the trade market and is pursuing Celtics star Jaylen Brown.
Memphis executed the move to gain immediate salary flexibility for a full-scale rebuild. The franchise had already signaled the end of its current era by previously trading foundational pieces Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. The organization was reportedly desperate to offload Morant’s contract. He is owed $42.2 million for the upcoming 2026-27 season and $44.9 million annually from 2027 to 2029.
Morant’s market value dropped following a difficult preceding season. He appeared in just 20 games, averaging 19.4 points and 8.1 assists. Injuries and a November team suspension derailed his campaign. That suspension stemmed from a heated confrontation with Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo following a loss to the Lakers. NBA reporter Evan Sidery compared the financial motivation of this trade directly to the Atlanta Hawks’ recent move of Trae Young. Both instances involved a franchise offloading a primary star for matching salary simply to escape long-term financial commitments and start over.