Ja Morant, the 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year and two-time All-Star, has been traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. The trade, described by ESPN's Brian Windhorst as making Morant "flagrantly available," marks a dramatic fall for a player once considered the future face of the league.
Rise and Fall
Drafted second overall in 2019, Morant quickly became the franchise player for the Grizzlies, leading them to playoff appearances and earning individual accolades. In 2022, he scored 47 points in a playoff win against the eventual champion Golden State Warriors. However, his trajectory changed due to a combination of off-court incidents and injuries.
Morant has struggled with arm injuries, playing just 20 of 82 games in the past season due to an elbow issue. But his fall from grace is largely self-inflicted. He was suspended multiple times in 2023 for brandishing guns on livestreams, and continued to simulate gun gestures on the court despite warnings and fines.
Off-Court Issues
The Grizzlies became increasingly frustrated with Morant's off-court behavior, which included a long list of incidents that made his problems others' inconvenience or harm. Despite his telegenic playing style, the team decided to move on, shedding Morant and his co-stars Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane.
At 26, Morant finds himself in a mid-career purgatory, too old to be considered young but yet to show the maturity to lead a team. The Portland Trail Blazers may provide an easier environment, but the trade appears primarily motivated by the Grizzlies' desire to dump their fading star.
Fit with Portland
Morant's passing ability and explosive drives could complement Deni Avdija, the Blazers' offensive centerpiece. However, Portland already had depth at point guard, raising questions about the fit. Moreover, the NBA is evolving away from players like Morant, emphasizing shooting and physicality—areas where he lacks.
Comparisons to Trae Young are apt: both are undersized guards reliant on playmaking, but Young is a better shooter. As Morant ages and loses his athleticism, he lacks a reliable midrange or three-point shot to compensate.
A Spectacular Nosedive
Morant's decline is one of the most dramatic in recent NBA history. While other players like De'Aaron Fox and Jalen Duren have seen their stock fluctuate, few have experienced such a steady and prolonged slide. Gravity gets everyone eventually, but for Morant, it arrived sooner than expected.
