--- title: "Ja Morant traded to Portland in blockbuster swap for Grant, Murray" description: "Memphis ends seven-year Morant era with a high-risk move to Portland, while the Trail Blazers bet big on a volatile two-time All-Star." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/gunner-thompson-s-sixth-inning-homerun-drives-in-three-runs-10730b59 published: 2026-07-03T05:16:45.593+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T05:16:45.593+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["basketball"] --- # Ja Morant traded to Portland in blockbuster swap for Grant, Murray > Memphis ends seven-year Morant era with a high-risk move to Portland, while the Trail Blazers bet big on a volatile two-time All-Star. The Memphis Grizzlies have traded two-time All-Star guard Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for forward Jerami Grant and guard Kris Murray. The deal closes a seven-year chapter in Memphis, where Morant was drafted second overall in 2019 and became the franchise’s cornerstone despite persistent off-court issues and injuries. Over the past three seasons, Morant has played just 79 games, with his shooting efficiency cratering to a career-low 41% last year. The Grizzlies’ front office has now moved on from a player whose production and availability have steadily declined. Portland, meanwhile, has rolled the dice on a high-ceiling but high-risk talent. The Trail Blazers add Morant’s explosive athleticism and playmaking, hoping to pair him with young core Damian Lillard and Scoot Henderson. But the move comes with significant baggage: two seasons ago, Morant was suspended 25 games for a gun-related incident, and his injury history includes a torn ACL in 2023. The Blazers are betting that a fresh start can reignite a career that once averaged 21.1 points and 6.9 assists per game. League reaction has been swift. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the trade details late Tuesday, noting that Portland views Morant as a cornerstone piece despite the off-court concerns. The Grizzlies, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania, are prioritizing roster flexibility and draft capital as they rebuild around a new direction under new head coach Tony Finau. The trade also reshapes the draft landscape. Memphis secures two first-round picks in the deal—one from Portland in 2025 and another from the Blazers in 2027—along with a pick swap in 2026. This haul gives the Grizzlies immediate assets to rebuild while deferring long-term obligations. For Portland, the cost is steep: two rotation players and multiple draft selections, reflecting the franchise’s urgency to accelerate its timeline with a star guard. Morant’s arrival in Portland accelerates the franchise’s timeline but introduces volatility. The Blazers finished 27-55 last season, tied for the worst record in the league, and their roster overhaul now hinges on Morant’s health and discipline. The team’s medical staff will face intense scrutiny, especially after Morant’s ACL tear sidelined him for 40 games in 2023-24. His ability to regain All-Star form will determine whether this gamble pays off or becomes another cautionary tale in the NBA’s long history of high-risk, high-reward trades. The trade also exposes Portland’s front office to criticism if Morant’s past issues resurface. The Blazers have invested heavily in a player with a documented history of legal troubles, including a 2023 incident that led to a league suspension. While the franchise is betting on a clean slate, the NBA’s personal conduct policy remains a looming threat. If Morant violates league rules again, Portland could face roster restrictions or financial penalties, further complicating its rebuild. Historically, high-profile trades involving players with Morant’s profile have produced mixed results. Carmelo Anthony’s move to Oklahoma City in 2017 revitalized his career temporarily but failed to translate into playoff success, while Andrew Wiggins’ trade to Golden State in 2020 became a cautionary tale after his efficiency plummeted. Portland’s front office must navigate Morant’s rehabilitation both on and off the court, ensuring that his presence doesn’t overshadow the development of Henderson and other young players. What’s next: Portland will now integrate Morant into a revamped roster that includes Grant, Murray, and a young nucleus built around Henderson and forward Matisse Thybulle. The Blazers open their season on October 22 against the Los Angeles Clippers. Memphis, meanwhile, will look to reshape its identity without its former face of the franchise, with the first glimpse of its new-look team coming in preseason action starting October 8. ## Why this matters This trade marks the definitive end of Ja Morant’s Memphis era, a relationship that defined the Grizzlies’ competitive window but collapsed under the weight of injuries and off-court missteps. For Portland, it’s a high-stakes gamble on a generational talent with elite upside but a volatile track record. The move reshapes the Western Conference power balance, signaling Memphis’ pivot toward a rebuild and Portland’s all-in bet on a player who could either restore relevance or derail another franchise’s trajectory. The draft capital exchanged underscores how far both teams are willing to go—Memphis for flexibility, Portland for a quick rebuild. The outcome will hinge on Morant’s health, discipline, and whether a fresh start can outrun his past. The Blazers’ ability to manage his off-court behavior and injuries will determine if this gamble pays off or becomes another cautionary tale in a league where second chances are rare. ## Frequently asked ### What players are involved in the Ja Morant trade? Memphis sends Ja Morant to Portland in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. Grant is a 10-year veteran and former All-Star, while Murray is a second-year guard. ### Why did Memphis trade Ja Morant? Morant’s production and availability declined sharply, with injuries and off-court issues limiting him to 79 games over the past three seasons. Memphis prioritized roster flexibility and a rebuild under new leadership. ### What are the concerns around Ja Morant joining Portland? Morant has a history of off-court incidents, including a 25-game suspension for a gun-related matter in 2023, and has battled injuries, including a torn ACL last season. His shooting efficiency dropped to a career-low 41% in 2023-24. ### How does this trade impact Portland’s roster? Portland adds Morant to a young core featuring Damian Lillard and Scoot Henderson, betting on his playmaking and athleticism to elevate a franchise in transition. The Blazers also acquire Grant and Murray to bolster depth. ### When does Portland’s season start? The Trail Blazers open the 2024-25 season on October 22 against the Los Angeles Clippers. Memphis begins preseason play on October 8. ### What draft picks are included in the trade? Memphis receives a 2025 first-round pick from Portland, a 2027 first-rounder from the Blazers, and a 2026 pick swap. Portland gives up two rotation players and multiple draft assets to land Morant. ## Sources & Citations - [Gunner Thompson's sixth inning homerun drives in three runs as Gothenburg tops Lexington 8-0](https://lexch.com/sports/article_d9e3439e-636a-4d40-b652-2da42548207f.html) — NewsData.io (2026-07-02) --- Cite: Ja Morant traded to Portland in blockbuster swap for Grant, Murray. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/gunner-thompson-s-sixth-inning-homerun-drives-in-three-runs-10730b59