The Trail Blazers just pulled the trigger on a trade for Ja Morant, acquiring a player once seen as a future face of the NBA, and let’s be real, his value has absolutely cratered for it to happen. Getting him for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray? That’s how far Morant’s stock has fallen from the days he electrified the league with his explosive handle and acrobatic finishes. With a stack of injuries, off-court drama, and his on-court performance dimming, it’s been tough to justify that more than $40 million a season he’s due for the next two years. But for just Grant and Murray, you can see why the Blazers rolled the dice.
From Future Face to Fall From Grace: Ja’s Wild Ride
Remember when Ja was unstoppable, disregarding anyone in his way to the rim? Yeah, that feels like a minute ago. Last season, his first 12 games were as rough as we’ve ever seen him. He was putting up 22.4 points per 36 minutes on a dismal 47.7% true shooting, and he just couldn’t get to the basket. It was clear he didn’t want to be in Memphis anymore. But then, after coming back from a calf strain in December, something clicked. Over his final eight appearances, he was a different guy, dropping 28.5 points per 36 on a much improved 58.7% true shooting.
That efficiency and shot distribution started looking like his two All-Star seasons, where he averaged 29.6 points per 36 on 56.6% true shooting. Ja started looking like Ja again, for a moment. In clips from his 40-point game against the Sixers, he had that burst off the dribble back, finishing acrobatically with either hand. His ability to penetrate the paint was returning, and that created opportunities for everyone else. He dished out 36 assists in his next three games alone, with 11 against the Lakers, 13 versus the Magic, and 12 against the Hawks. He was manipulating defenders, drawing help, and finding the open man. In transition, he was pushing the pace before defenses could even set up. It was only eight games before a sprained ligament in his left elbow and a Grizzlies tank job ended his season, but for that brief stretch, Morant finally began to resemble his old self.
Why The Rip City Took The Risk, And What It Could Mean For Deni
So why did Portland take this massive swing? Deni Avdija needs a co-star, plain and simple. Scoot Henderson hasn’t shown the consistency to be that guy yet. Damian Lillard is still recovering from a torn Achilles, and Shaedon Sharpe is mending from knee surgery. For the Blazers to take that next step, they needed to gamble on a talent they probably wouldn’t get a shot at otherwise. And maybe, just maybe, Morant could be that missing piece.
It was only eight games where he showed flashes, but at 27 years old, can you imagine what a healthy Morant could do for Avdija? Deni was a beast last season, averaging 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists. At 6-foot-8, his mix of size, downhill scoring, and passing made him an offensive centerpiece, and at just 25, he might only be tapping into his potential. Bringing in another player who can get downhill could take some pressure off Avdija from constantly having to break down set defenses. Of course, even at his peak, Ja had a shaky jumper and defensive struggles. Can this Blazers squad actually blend? Portland’s hoping Jrue Holiday and Toumani Camara can help mitigate those flaws, taking on the tougher defensive assignments and offering spot-up shooting.
It’s only eight games of data we’re talking about, but that glimpse of his two All-Star seasons is enough to give Portland hope. A healthy Morant at 27 could be huge for Avdija and this team. But the big question heading into the 2026-27 season is whether Ja can truly be Ja again, consistently, and if this gamble will pay off for the Rip City.
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.
Leave a Reply