The Memphis Grizzlies finally pulled the trigger, trading two-time All-Star Ja Morant on June 29 for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray after months of swirling rumors about Morant’s uncertain future with the team. While Murray is still finding his way in the league, Grant was the clear prize in this massive deal.
The Morant Era Is Over and Grant Steps In
Grant comes to Memphis loaded with 12 years of NBA experience. We’re talking about a guy who has played on playoff teams, someone who has been in situations similar to the rebuild he’s about to enter with the Grizzlies. At 32 years old, he’s currently the second-oldest player on the roster, and by the time the season kicks off, he might just be the oldest. That’s a huge shift for a team that’s brought in fresh faces like 2026 draft picks Karim Lopez, Cameron Boozer, and Richie Saunders. Grant spent the last four seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he averaged a solid 18.8 points over 221 appearances. The big question is, can that scoring punch translate consistently for these youthful Grizzlies?
Can Grant’s Scoring Punch Guide This Rebuild?
Memphis desperately needs that scoring touch, so it’s going to be fascinating to watch if Grant can become a reliable offensive engine for this new-look squad. He’s got two years left on his current contract, which gives him a good runway to make an impact. Sean Highkin, who covered Grant during his time in Portland, thinks he’ll have zero trouble adjusting to the Memphis vibe. Highkin told The Commercial Appeal that Grant “is a guy who has a wide variety of different interests,” adding that “he’s the kind of guy that no matter where he is, he’s going to find something to get into.” That personal adaptability could be crucial for a veteran joining such a young, rebuilding team under General Manager Zach Kleiman and head coach Tuomas Iisalo.
With Grant’s experience and scoring, the Grizzlies are clearly banking on him to guide their new era. Can he be the consistent offensive threat they desperately need, or will the weight of leading a rebuild prove too much? We’ll find out when the new season tips off, and every game will be a test for this revitalized Memphis squad.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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