Ja Morant Trade 2025: What Happened and Why

Ja Morant was supposed to be the future of the Memphis Grizzlies. Two years ago, he was an MVP candidate, the face of a rising franchise, and one of the most electrifying players in the NBA. Now, he’s a Portland Trail Blazer after a stunning June 2026 trade, and the question everyone’s asking isn’t about his highlights—it’s about what went wrong.

Age: 26 (born August 10, 1999) ·
Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) ·
Weight: 174 lb (79 kg) ·
Team: Portland Trail Blazers ·
Position: Point guard ·
Draft: 2019, 2nd overall (Memphis Grizzlies)

Seven key facts that define Ja Morant’s current standing in the NBA, from his physical measurements to his contract numbers.

What just happened to Ja Morant?

On June 30, 2026, the Memphis Grizzlies executed one of the most consequential trades in recent NBA history, sending Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, according to multiple league sources. The trade finalized a fall that began nearly three years earlier, when Morant was suspended for brandishing a firearm on Instagram Live in May 2023 (ESPN (NBA insider)).

What were the terms of the trade?

The Grizzlies received Jerami Grant and Kris Murray from Portland. Grant, a veteran forward, provides immediate scoring and defense, while Murray offers youth and potential. The deal was finalized on June 30, 2026, as confirmed by both ESPN and NBA.com.

When did the trade occur?

The trade was executed on June 30, 2026, after weeks of speculation. Morant’s camp had expressed a desire for a fresh start, and Memphis accelerated talks after the 2025–26 season.

What is Ja Morant’s injury status?

Morant missed the final weeks of the 2025–26 season with a Grade 1 right calf strain, suffered on November 14, 2025, against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was initially sidelined for two weeks, but the recovery extended into the offseason. As of July 2026, the Trail Blazers have not released a timeline for his full return (NBA.com (medical update)).

Has Ja Morant been traded?

Yes. The Memphis Grizzlies traded Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers on June 30, 2026. The deal was first reported by ESPN and confirmed by NBA.com.

Which team did he get traded to?

He was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, a team in the midst of a rebuild. Portland sent Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to Memphis in exchange.

Why did the Grizzlies trade him?

The Grizzlies cited a combination of off-court incidents and on-court decline. Morant had played only 79 games over three seasons due to suspensions and injuries. His scoring dropped to 19.5 points per game on career-low shooting percentages (41.0% FG, 23.5% 3PT) in the 20 games before the trade (ESPN (NBA insider)).

What is the reaction to the trade?

Fans and analysts have reacted with a mix of shock and resignation. Many see it as the end of an era in Memphis and a high-risk gamble for Portland. Ja Morant himself wrote on social media, “Thank you Memphis for everything. Time to work in Rip City.”

“We felt this move was best for the future of the franchise.”

— Grizzlies GM, in a statement on the trade

Why does no team want Ja Morant?

While several teams reportedly expressed initial interest, only Portland made a serious offer. Two main concerns emerged.

Is there actually no interest?

Multiple teams, including the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers, were linked in early rumors but never submitted formal proposals. Portland’s willingness to take on Morant’s contract and reputation made them the lone suitor.

What concerns do teams have?

Off-court issues top the list: three NBA suspensions, including a 25-game ban in 2023 for brandishing a firearm on Instagram Live. Injuries also worry teams—Morant missed 44 games in the 2025–26 season alone (ESPN (league affairs)).

How does his contract affect trade options?

Morant signed a five-year, $194 million max extension in 2022. That contract, combined with his recent performance dip, made him a difficult asset to move. Only a team with cap space and a willingness to absorb risk—like Portland—could make it work.

“His off-court issues have clearly affected his on-court focus.”

— ESPN analyst, commenting on Morant’s decline

Why is Ja Morant not as good anymore?

Morant’s numbers have fallen across the board. In the 20 games he played before the trade, he averaged 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists, but his shooting dropped to career lows. The reasons are layered.

How have his stats changed?

From his 2021–22 MVP-caliber season (27.4 PPG, 6.7 APG, 49.3% FG), Morant declined to 19.5 PPG on 41.0% shooting and 23.5% from three in the 2025–26 season. The volume dipped as his role diminished (ESPN (NBA insider)).

What injuries has he suffered?

Morant has dealt with a right shoulder injury (missed 25 games in 2023–24), an elbow injury (January 2025), and a calf strain (November 2025). The cumulative effect has reduced his explosiveness and rhythm.

Has his playing style changed?

Yes. Without the same burst, Morant has relied more on jump shots, which have been inconsistent. Defenses now sag off him, daring him to shoot from outside. His once-elite finishing at the rim has become less frequent.

Did Ja Morant grow up rich?

No. Morant grew up in a low-income household in Dalzell, South Carolina. His father worked multiple jobs, and his mother was a postal worker. He attended a small high school and was not highly recruited out of high school, eventually playing at Murray State.

Where did he grow up?

Dalzell, a small town near Sumter, South Carolina. He lived in a modest home and often trained on a makeshift court in his backyard.

What was his family’s financial situation?

His parents, Tee and Jamie Morant, worked hard to provide. His father was a former basketball player who worked odd jobs; his mother was a postal worker. Money was tight, but the family remained supportive.

How did he get into basketball?

His father coached him from a young age. Ja played for Crestwood High School and later walked on at Murray State, where he emerged as a star. He was drafted second overall in 2019.

“I’m just a kid from a small town who wanted to make it.”

— Ja Morant, reflecting on his journey in a 2022 interview

For a detailed breakdown of Ja Morants height and weight, including his contract and injury timeline, this analysis covers all the key factors behind his move to Portland.

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