Ja Morant Traded to Portland Trail Blazers in Major NBA Deal

The Memphis Grizzlies have agreed to trade star guard Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers, according to ESPN. In exchange, Memphis will receive Jeremy Grant and Kris Murray. This blockbuster trade marks the end of an era in Memphis, where Morant had been the franchise face since being drafted second overall in 2019.

Morant, a two-time NBA All-Star and the 2022 Most Improved Player, quickly became known for his explosive athleticism and highlight-reel dunks. He led the Grizzlies to prominence in the Western Conference but his tenure was marred by injuries and off-court controversies. These included multiple suspensions related to social media conduct and incidents involving firearms, which cost him millions in salary and raised questions about his stability.

At 26 years old, Morant remains one of the league's most talented but also most problematic players. Despite missing significant time due to injuries last season, he averaged 19.5 points per game in 20 appearances. Now, he will join the Trail Blazers alongside Israeli player Deni Avdija, who recently helped Portland reach the playoffs before falling to San Antonio.

The trade offers Portland a dynamic guard capable of elevating the team if he can maintain his health and discipline. Meanwhile, Memphis gains two solid players in Grant and Murray as it moves forward without its former star. The deal was first reported on June 29, 2026, signaling a major shift in the NBA landscape this summer.