In a stunning move that signals the end of an era in Memphis, the Grizzlies have traded two-time All-Star point guard Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for forward Jerami Grant and wing Kris Murray, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The deal, agreed upon Monday, caps a turbulent period for the Grizzlies, who have now parted ways with their three foundational pieces — Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. — since a first-round playoff sweep at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder last spring. What was once viewed as one of the NBA’s most dynamic young cores has been dismantled in favor of a full franchise reset.
Morant, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, brought electrifying athleticism and highlight-reel play to Memphis. He earned All-Star nods in 2022 and 2023, leading the Grizzlies to back-to-back playoff appearances and injecting life into a franchise that had long searched for its next superstar. His gravity-defying dunks and fearless drives to the rim made him a marquee attraction, but a series of injuries and off-court challenges in recent seasons dimmed that promise. In the 2025-26 campaign, Morant appeared in just 20 games, averaging 19.5 points on 41% shooting while battling elbow, calf, and ankle issues.
For Portland, the acquisition represents a bold attempt to accelerate contention around a young core. Grant, a versatile 6-foot-8 forward entering the latter years of a sizable contract, provides scoring punch, defensive versatility, and veteran leadership. Murray, a developing wing with size and shooting touch, adds depth and long-term upside to a Blazers roster that has been rebuilding in recent years.
“Ja is a special talent with the ability to take over games in a heartbeat,” one league executive familiar with the discussions said. “But Memphis clearly felt it was time to turn the page and build around a different timeline.”
The Grizzlies, who selected highly touted prospect Cam Boozer with the No. 3 pick in the recent draft, appear committed to a youth movement. The trade frees up significant salary flexibility and assets as the front office looks to reshape the roster. Memphis now shifts focus toward developing its younger pieces and potentially leveraging its sizable trade exception in future deals.
For Morant, the move to Portland offers a fresh start on a team with playoff aspirations. The Trail Blazers will hope his explosive playmaking and scoring can pair effectively with their existing talent, provided he can stay healthy and recapture his All-Star form.
This trade marks another seismic shift in a busy NBA offseason. As the league’s landscape continues to evolve, both franchises now enter new chapters — Memphis in rebuilding mode, and Portland betting on a high-upside star to push them back into the Western Conference mix.
