Grant Traded
Memphis Grizzlies acquire Jerami Grant from Trail Blazers in a move to shed injury blame
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The Memphis Grizzlies have traded two-time All-Star Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers, officially ending the most ambitious era in franchise history. In return, Memphis gets veteran forward Jerami Grant and young wing Kris Murray, according to NBC Sports.
ESPN's Shams Charania broke the news at 1:43 PM PDT on June 29, 2026. By 4:40 PM, major outlets confirmed the deal was done, pending physicals. Memphis had struggled to find a trade partner for nearly a year, according to Sports Illustrated.
Morant Leaves Memphis After Seven Turbulent Seasons
Ja Morant was the 2nd overall pick in 2019 and won Rookie of the Year in 2020. But his career unraveled fast. He played just 79 of a possible 246 games over the last three seasons, per TSN. Two firearm-related suspensions — 8 games in 2023 and 25 games later that year — damaged his reputation badly.
Off-court trouble spilled onto the court too. A reported heated fight between Morant and coach Tuomas Iisalo in November 2025 led to a team-imposed one-game suspension, TSN reported. His field goal percentage dropped to a career-low 41.0% during a 20-game stint in 2025-26.
Portland Takes on a Star — and a Risky Salary
Portland now pairs Morant with Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, and Scoot Henderson. Analysts at Hoops Rumors called it a "terrible fit," pointing to a crowded backcourt with no clear solution. The Blazers also inherit Morant's remaining $87 million over two seasons.
Portland GM Joe Cronin is reportedly "doubling down" on a win-now push, per Hoops Rumors. New head coach Micah Nori, hired just days earlier, said he wants "offensive flexibility." A follow-up trade involving Holiday or another guard is widely expected, according to Sports Illustrated.
Grizzlies Tear It Down, Build Around Young Core
Memphis has now traded every piece of its young core. Desmond Bane went to the Orlando Magic in June 2025, per TSN. Morant is now gone too. Jaren Jackson Jr. is the only name left from the team once seen as the NBA's best "next-gen" contender.
Memphis will now build around 2025 top draft prospect Cameron Boozer and center Zach Edey, per NBC Sports. Jerami Grant — who averaged 18.6 points last season — gives the team a veteran bridge. Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman reportedly views this as a "necessary culture reset," according to Heavy Sports.
Grant Brings Scoring Pop but a Heavy Contract to Memphis
At 32 years old, Jerami Grant is the key piece heading to Memphis. He bounced back last season with 18.6 points and 2.4 three-pointers per game, per NBC Sports. But his five-year, $160 million deal has two years of guaranteed money left — a big commitment for a rebuilding team.
The Sporting News noted that Portland may already be planning another move now that Grant is off the books. Young wing Kris Murray, also heading to Memphis, averaged just 5.8 points in 57 games last season, per ca.sports.yahoo.com. He is seen as a developmental add-on with upside.
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