Ja Morant joins Portland Trail Blazers following trade from Memphis Grizzlies
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 10:18 AM
Last updated Sep 7, 2026
Ja Morant has joined the Portland Trail Blazers after being traded by the Memphis Grizzlies. The move follows several seasons of on-court and off-court controversies that prompted his departure from Memphis. Joakim Noah noted that the change of scenery could help Morant recover his form, specifically highlighting the influence of veteran point guard Damian Lillard. Portland enters the season with a crowded point guard rotation that also includes Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson. Coach Micah Nori faces decisions regarding the rotation as Lillard returns from an ACL injury and the organization denies plans to trade Holiday. Morant has publicly expressed that the new environment is already influencing his lifestyle as he aims to move past his previous challenges.
- •Ja Morant was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers after his tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies.
- •Joakim Noah identified Damian Lillard as a critical veteran mentor for Morant in Portland.
- •Portland holds a surplus of point guards including Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, and Scoot Henderson.
- •Coach Micah Nori must determine the starting rotation for the upcoming season.
- •Damian Lillard is returning to the active roster following an ACL injury.
- 10:18 AMYahoo Sports — ‘I’m Happy That He Is in Portland’ – Former Grizzlies Big Thinks Ja Morant Landed with a Team That Can Definitely Help Him
"Ja Morant has faced heavy criticism in recent years, including from some of his fellow players. His last few seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies were marred by both on-court and off-court controversies. Among them were incidents involving guns, being caught at a strip club, and an alleged altercation with a teenager. On the court, Morant [...]
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