Trail Blazers Acquire Ja Morant in Grizzlies Trade
The Portland Trail Blazers trade Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to Memphis to bring Ja Morant to Portland.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball
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The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired Ja Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies in an offseason 2026 trade. To complete the deal, Portland sent Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to Memphis.
Why it matters
This trade marks a significant roster shift as the Trail Blazers look to rebuild their competitive standing. The acquisition of Morant coincides with the return of star Damian Lillard, who missed the 2025-26 season.
Ja Morant previously served an 8-game suspension in 2023, followed by a separate 25-game suspension that same year. Damian Lillard missed the entire 2025-2026 season due to a diagnosed Achilles injury.
The players
Ja Morant
He is an explosive NBA point guard known for his elite athleticism and playmaking ability.
Damian Lillard
He is a veteran point guard and a long-time franchise cornerstone for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Jerami Grant
He is a versatile forward who was traded from the Trail Blazers to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Kris Murray
He is a professional basketball player who was sent to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the trade.
The details
The deal involves a direct exchange of players between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Memphis Grizzlies. This transaction reshapes Portland's backcourt as they move into the upcoming season.
Timeline
2023: Ja Morant served two separate NBA suspensions.
2025-2026: Damian Lillard sat out the season due to an Achilles injury.
offseason 2026: The Portland Trail Blazers acquired Ja Morant in a trade.
Season Trajectory
This roster overhaul fundamentally shifts the Trail Blazers' trajectory following the injury-plagued 2025-26 season. The pairing of Morant and Lillard positions Portland to aggressively pursue a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
The addition of Morant provides a new dynamic for local fans and impacts the rotation minutes available for the remaining roster. Fantasy managers should monitor how the ball distribution changes between Morant and the returning Lillard.
The takeaway
This acquisition signals that Portland is prioritizing an immediate return to playoff contention. Fans can expect a faster, more athletic pace of play with both Morant and Lillard sharing the floor.
Further reading
For more on roster updates, visit the Portland Basketball section.
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