The Portland Trail Blazers went into the 2026 offseason looking to make a big trade. Now, they have pulled off the Ja Morant-Blazers trade, which could be quite promising for Portland’s future. With new owner Tom Dundon’s plans, there could be more in store moving forward.
Navigating The Ja Morant Blazers Trade And What It Could Mean
Over the past few weeks, the Blazers have been a name often mentioned in all kinds of trade talks. They were part of the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors, and they are still a potential landing spot for Jaylen Brown. However, they capitalized on a market opportunity by sending Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to the Grizzlies for Morant.
Considering Morant’s value has dropped off a cliff, this was essentially a low-risk move for Portland. With Grant’s massive contract, this trade ultimately does not cost too much. It was quite surprising because no one projected the Morant trade to Portland.
Of course, there is some confusion with the rotation, but it is hard to pass up on a talented player who is just entering his prime. He might have fallen out of favor recently, but he can still return to that level.
Portland’s Future Is More Promising After This Trade
At only 26, Morant still has upside, especially with what he showed earlier in his career. Over the past few seasons, injuries have damaged his reputation, but he is still quite a talented player. The Blazers are banking on talent rather than fit right now, and it might work out with Morant.
After the Morant-Blazers trade, he is yet another player within the premium age range of 25-30. Players like Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija are on that timeline, so Morant fits alongside them well. Younger players like Donovan Clingan, Shaedon Sharpe, and Scoot Henderson also fit within that timeline.
Shams:
"The Blazers did speak to Ja Morant today shortly after the trade. I'm told he expressed to them that he's excited to be in Portland" pic.twitter.com/FKApqv8tnw
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) June 30, 2026
Of course, Damian Lillard might be an older player, but this fits his goal of winning as soon as possible. It might be a bit of an awkward fit, but Lillard is well-known for thriving alongside other smaller guards like CJ McCollum and Anfernee Simons.
From the outside, it can be an awkward fit, but it seems Morant is excited to be with the Blazers. New head coach Micah Nori might be the coach who can unlock the Blazers and Morant’s potential, as they head into the 2026-27 season with an intriguing roster.
The Morant Blazers Trade Makes For An Interesting Rotation
Memphis not getting a single draft pick in the Morant-Blazers trade is a testament to how low his value was around the league. Portland even received $1 million in the deal, which is further proof that Morant’s reputation was in the mud throughout the league.
The Blazers were willing to take the swing for him since he is a star-level talent. Now, they have to work with the knowledge of Morant playing point guard, a position that three other players on the roster play.
Chris Haynes reported that the Blazers envision a starting backcourt of Lillard and Morant. It is a small backcourt yet again for Portland, but it seems they are ready to go with that duo alongside Avdija and Camara on the wings based on Dundon’s plans.
The Portland Trail Blazers envision a starting backcourt of Damian Lillard and Ja Morant alongside Deni Avdija on the wing. A very unconventional move that the franchise believes has upside. Ja Morant gets his fresh start. Jerami Grant and Kris Murray off to Memphis.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 29, 2026
With Lillard, Henderson, and Jrue Holiday already on the roster, something has to give. That is why Portland has made Holiday available in trade talks, so that could open the door for Morant and Lillard in the starting lineup with Henderson as the backup point guard in Portland’s future.
It is a bit of a wonky fit, but Henderson has shown that he can thrive as the x-factor in either guard position in his postseason run against the San Antonio Spurs. Lillard and Morant are talented enough to thrive in the same backcourt, especially with their experience of playing alongside smaller guards in the past.
Dundon’s Plans Might Not Yet Be Over
Now that the Blazers have pulled off possibly their biggest trade in franchise history, there is still room for one more. Since the Blazers still have the Milwaukee Bucks’ picks, they could still use them in a blockbuster trade.
Shooting for Brown in a trade with the Celtics is still a possibility, especially with how good he could fit within Nori’s system. The same can be said about Trey Murphy III and his fit with the Blazers.
Now that the Morant-Blazers trade has passed, it seems Portland is still looking for ways to improve. It will be challenging, but it is still a possibility for Portland to be competitive.
Featured Image: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
