Shocking Blockbuster Move Sees Ja Morant Traded Out West

June 29, 2026 ,
Social Media Feature Preview
The Memphis Grizzlies have finally unloaded Ja Morant in a blockbuster deal, trading him to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray.

The Blazers already have Damian Lillard, Scoot Henderson and Jrue Holiday as lead guards, but seem to be cornering the market... Or setting themselves up for another major trade. 

Insider Chris Haynes reports that Portland envisions a starting backcourt of Damian Lillard and Ja Morant, with burgeoning superstar Deni Avdija on the wing. Haynes calls it "A very unconventional move that the franchise believes has upside." 

And with that, Holiday has now been put on the trade block by the Trail Blazers.

If Morant & Lillard are able to play a majority of games for the Blazers, it should be a dynamic pairing, particularly with Avdija as well. But the problem for both of those guards is actually staying on the court: Lillard is returning after an entire year off recovering from a torn left Achilles tendon. And Morant has played just 79 games TOTAL over the last three seasons. Believe it or not, he hasn't played in seven consecutive games for the Grizzlies since the 2022-23 season. Injuries and suspensions have clouded Morant's career in Memphis, perhaps a composed, veteran mentor like Lillard settles him down to reach his true potential.

Portland also gets off of Grant's contract, which they've been trying to do for a couple of years now. He still has two more seasons left (if he picks up his player option in 2027-28) at a $35M AAV.

More to come...

 

Go To: NFL Rumors | MLB Rumors | NHL Rumors