The Ja Morant era in Memphis is over. The Ja and Dame era in Portland is just getting started.
The Memphis Grizzlies agreed to trade Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for forwards Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. That is the type of trade that only makes sense if both franchises think they are getting exactly what they need. Time will tell if they were right.
The Blazers now project a starting backcourt of Damian Lillard and Ja Morant, with All Star swingman Deni Avdija at small forward. That is one of the most electric perimeter groups in the league on paper, and it is going to make Portland must watch television every night they are on national broadcast.
Morant is coming off a season with real ups and downs. He averaged 19.5 points, 8.1 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 28.5 minutes per game. His shooting line was rough at .410/.235/.897. The three point number is a major concern, and it is the biggest question mark hanging over his fit with Portland.
The Blazers are betting that a healthier, more focused Morant returns to All Star form playing next to Lillard. Dame is going to command a lot of defensive attention, which should open up driving lanes for Ja. If Morant can shoot 33 to 35 percent from three, that offense could be one of the top five in the league.
If he cannot, then defenses will pack the paint against him, and Portland will run into the same shooting problems it has had for years.
Memphis is officially rebuilding. Getting Jerami Grant and Kris Murray back is not a massive haul, but it is decent value considering the concerns about Morant’s future. Grant is a veteran forward who scores at every level. Murray is a stretch four who can defend multiple positions. Both fit the timeline of a Memphis team pivoting toward Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells as the new core.
Head coach Taylor Jenkins has to reset the entire offensive system. Morant was the identity of the Grizzlies for six years. Every set was designed to get him downhill. Every defense had to prep for his athleticism. That is gone now, and Memphis becomes a different kind of team.
Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart were also traded away over the last two years, so this is the third star piece Memphis has moved. The Grizzlies are basically starting over with Edey, Wells, GG Jackson II, and whatever draft capital they can pull in.
Portland fans have been through a lot. The Damian Lillard trade to Milwaukee. Bringing him back. Watching the roster get shuffled every summer. Adding Morant is the type of splash move that signals the front office thinks it can win now. Blazers fans have to appreciate that.
The West is loaded. Oklahoma City is the defending champion. Denver is still a title contender. Golden State has Steph. Dallas has Anthony Edwards after the Luka trade. Even in a crowded field, adding a two time All Star to a roster that already has one is a real move.
Morant’s off court issues are still part of the story. He has had suspensions and public incidents. Portland has to hope that a change of scenery helps him mature. If it does, this trade could reshape both franchises for the next five years.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
