Advertisement - scroll for more content
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement


Etienne Catalan: Micah Potter (@BigJam_23) will wear No. 9 for the #Blazers. Number last worn by Jerami Grant in 2026. #NBA

ESPN's Shams Charania reported Portland acquired Ja Morant via trade from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Portland plans on starting Morant and Damian Lillard in the backcourt alongside Deni Avdija on the wing following "a very unconventional move that the franchise believes has upside."

The Ja Morant trade caught many around the NBA by surprise, as the oft-injured Memphis Grizzlies guard was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. One executive from another team I talked to called the deal “confusing," citing the Blazers' glut of guards with Damian Lillard returning from Achilles surgery and Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson under contract. He wondered whether there was a corresponding deal the Blazers were working on to clear up the position.

Jake Fischer: No picks changed hands in the Ja Morant trade to the Trail Blazers, but the Memphis Grizzlies did send $1 million in cash to Portland, sources say, in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray.

Yossi Gozlan: Ja Morant has a 15 percent trade bonus. It would be voided if the trade is executed today or tomorrow. If done on July 6, he would be entitled to a $13 million trade bonus. It would increase his $42.2 million salary to $48.7 million. Jerami Grant ($34.2 million) and Kris Murray ($5.3 million) matches for Morant on that $48.7 million salary. We'll see if he gets the entire amount or waives it.
Advertisement

Bobby Marks: Contract details for Memphis/Portland To Portland Ja Morant 2026/27: $42.2M 2027/28: $44.9M To Memphis Jerami Grant 2026/27: $34.2M 2027/28: $37.2M (P) Kris Murray 2026/27: $5.3M

Shams Charania: BREAKING: The Memphis Grizzlies are trading two-time NBA All-Star Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, sources tell ESPN.

Portland previously attempted to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason, but he communicated that he didn't have interest in signing long-term with the franchise. The Blazers could also pursue a trade for Anthony Davis this offseason as the Washington Wizards consider their options. The Blazers could offer a combination of draft capital, Jerami Grant's expiring contract as salary ballast, and young players such as Scoot Henderson and Sharron Sharpe.


The reward for Portland is long-shot hopes against NBA MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. As for Grant, the Blazers’ opponent is secondary, because he’s just happy to be back in the postseason. “It’s been a while of not playing very meaningful basketball,” Grant said. “I’m just happy that I have a chance to play when it matters most again.”
Advertisement

Sean Highkin: Jerami Grant is playing tonight. First time all season that Portland will have every player (besides Dame) available.

Kellan Olson: Jerami Grant (right calf strain) is listed as questionable for the Blazers tomorrow against the Suns. He's been out the last 7 games. Damian Lillard (left Achilles injury management) remains out.

Trail Blazers PR: INJURY REPORT 4/6 @ DEN: OUT Jerami Grant (R Calf Strain) Vit Krejci (L Calf Contusion) Damian Lillard (L Achilles Tendon) Shaedon Sharpe (L Fibula Stress Reaction)

Sean Highkin: Tiago Splitter says Jerami Grant has undergone one MRI on his calf and has more testing to do before they know how long he’ll be out.