RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe Portland Trail Blazers pulled off one of the NBA offseason’s most fascinating moves when they acquired Ja Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies on June 29, 2026. Portland sent Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to Memphis without surrendering a draft pick, allowing the organization to bet on superstar talent without sacrificing its future.
Morant was once viewed as a legitimate MVP candidate and one of basketball’s most electrifying players. He averaged 27.4 points during the 2021-22 season before producing another 26.2 points and 8.1 assists per game the following year. His speed, creativity and fearless attacks made him nearly impossible to contain.
That momentum disappeared quickly. Morant played only nine games during the 2023-24 season, returned for 50 games in 2024-25 and appeared in just 20 contests last season. His production declined to 19.5 points per game while he shot 41% from the field and 23.5% from three-point range. Injuries, suspensions and questions about his reliability caused his trade value to collapse.
Portland represents a perfect opportunity for Morant to start over. It is a passionate basketball city searching for another star to embrace, but it does not carry the overwhelming pressure he would face in a larger market. The Trail Blazers can offer him the support and patience needed to rebuild his career and reputation.
Morant will also share a locker room with Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday. Lillard understands the responsibility that comes with becoming the face of basketball in Portland, while Holiday can demonstrate the discipline, preparation and defensive commitment required to sustain success. Their mentorship could be just as valuable as anything Morant receives from the coaching staff.
Morant is still only 26 years old and should be entering his prime. If he remains healthy, avoids distractions and rediscovers his previous form, Portland may have acquired an MVP candidate without paying anything close to an MVP price.
An actual MVP campaign would require the Trail Blazers to win consistently and Morant to prove his availability problems are behind him. Those are serious questions after he appeared in only 79 games over the last three seasons. Still, very few players possess his ceiling. Portland gives Morant the perfect opportunity to remind the NBA world why he was once considered one of its brightest young superstars.
This is a risk, but it is exactly the type of gamble a franchise searching for greatness should be willing to make. It's also the exact gamble that may just help Morant get back into MVP debates over the next few seasons.
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