A new chapter is officially underway for Ja Morant.
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One day after the Memphis Grizzlies traded the two-time All-Star to the Portland Trail Blazers, the franchise took to social media to thank the player who helped usher in one of the most successful stretches in team history.
"12, thank you for every highlight, every memory, every unforgettable moment and for all you've given this team, this community and this city," the Grizzlies posted.
The trade officially closes the book on Memphis' former core. Since being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the 2025 playoffs, the Grizzlies have moved on from Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., signaling a full rebuild after a group that once appeared poised to contend for years won just one playoff series together.
Now, the franchise turns its attention to a new era led by No. 3 overall draft pick Cameron Boozer.
For Morant, the move offers a chance to reset after three difficult seasons marked by injuries and suspensions. Since earning his second straight All-Star selection in 2023, the 26-year-old has appeared in just 79 games while dealing with multiple setbacks, including season-ending shoulder and elbow injuries and league-issued suspensions.
Despite those challenges, Morant remains one of the NBA's most dynamic guards when healthy. He owns career averages of 22.4 points and 7.4 assists and now joins a Trail Blazers team that returned to the playoffs last season.
Portland's backcourt is crowded with veterans Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, along with former lottery picks Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. But the Trail Blazers clearly believe Morant is worth the gamble, betting that a change of scenery can help him rediscover the form that once made him one of the league's brightest young stars.
