Ja Morant’s journey with the Memphis Grizzlies has officially wrapped up after seven seasons. The former No. 2 overall pick, who snagged the NBA Rookie of the Year title and made two All-Star appearances, is being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. This trade signals a new chapter for both teams. Morant is heading to Portland, eager to revitalize his career after injuries and suspensions have held him back in recent years.
In the 2025-26 season, he only managed to play 20 games, averaging 19.5 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds. He’s still under contract for two more seasons, with nearly $87 million left on his rookie extension. For Portland, this trade is a chance to bring in a proven star at a more manageable market value. For Morant, it’s a fresh start with a playoff contender and a shot at reclaiming his status before hitting free agency in 2028.
On the flip side, Memphis is bringing in two forwards to fill specific roles. Grant averaged 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists last season, with a solid shooting percentage of 38.9% from beyond the arc. He has two years remaining on his contract, including a player option for the 2027-28 season.
Meanwhile, Murray contributed 5.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in the 2025-26 season and is entering the final year of his rookie deal before becoming a restricted free agent. Grant brings valuable experience and scoring ability, while Murray will have a greater chance to grow on a team that’s in rebuilding mode.
Memphis Grizzlies Push Ahead With Full Rebuild After 2025-26 Season
The Morant trade marks a significant milestone in Memphis' complete roster overhaul. Not too long ago, the franchise sent Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah and traded Desmond Bane to Orlando, effectively dismantling the core that had taken the Grizzlies to the playoffs four times. Now, the front office is all about gathering draft assets, nurturing young talent, and ensuring long-term flexibility.
The rebuilding process continued with the 2026 NBA Draft, where Memphis snagged Duke star Cameron Boozer with the No. 3 overall pick after he had an impressive freshman year, averaging 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. They also made a strategic move by trading down from the No. 16 pick, acquiring five future second-round picks before selecting Karim López at No. 21. In the second round, they added Richie Saunders, further bolstering their young talent pool.
Looking ahead, Memphis is set on building around Boozer, Zach Edey, Taylor Hendricks, Cedric Coward, GG Jackson II, and other promising players. The backcourt now includes Walter Clayton Jr., Scotty Pippen Jr., Ty Jerome, and Cam Spencer, while veterans Grant and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope lend their experience. With extra draft capital already in hand from earlier trades, the Grizzlies are clearly committed to a long-term vision.
