Memphis Grizzlies Trade Ja Morant to Portland Trail Blazers

The Memphis Grizzlies have traded two-time All-Star guard Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers, ending his seven-year tenure with the franchise that drafted him. The deal, agreed to on Monday, June 29, 2026, sends Morant to Portland in exchange for forwards Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, along with $1 million in cash considerations.

The trade marks a significant roster reset for Memphis, which has now moved on from all three of its former franchise cornerstones-Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr.-since the 2025 playoffs. For Portland, the acquisition represents a bold swing under new owner Tom Dundon, coming off the franchise's first playoff appearance since 2021.

Morant, the 2020 Rookie of the Year and a two-time All-NBA selection, joins a Trail Blazers backcourt already crowded with veteran guards Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, as well as young talents Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. This logjam has immediately fueled speculation that Portland is positioning itself for further roster moves, potentially involving a pursuit of Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown. Analysts note that trading Grant’s sizable contract clears a financial pathway for such a deal.