The Trail Blazers have landed a player who was once considered a future NBA superstar in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray—a reflection of how much Ja Morant’s stock has dropped. Morant captivated the league with his explosive ball-handling, incredible acrobatic finishes, and fearless drives to the basket. However, injuries, off-court issues, and declining performance have made it difficult to justify a salary exceeding $40 million annually over the next two years.
Still, trading just Grant and Murray for Morant seems like a calculated risk for Portland. Deni Avdija needs a reliable co-star, and Scoot Henderson has yet to prove he can consistently take that role. With Damian Lillard recovering from a torn Achilles and Shaedon Sharpe getting back from knee surgery, the Blazers might need to take a chance on talent that otherwise wouldn’t be available. Perhaps Morant could be that missing piece to elevate the team.
In the first 12 games last season, Morant performed poorly, averaging 22.4 points per 36 minutes on 47.7% true shooting and struggling to get to the rim, clearly signaling his reluctance to stay in Memphis. After a calf injury sidelined him, Morant rebounded in December, posting 28.5 points per 36 minutes on 58.7% true shooting across eight games—stats that closely resembled his All-Star seasons where he averaged 29.6 points on 56.6% true shooting.
During a 40-point game against the Sixers, Morant showcased his familiar explosiveness and acrobatics, driving effectively to the basket and creating opportunities for teammates. In the following three games, he totaled 36 assists, demonstrating his improved playmaking by drawing defenders and finding open teammates, especially in transition.
Before a sprained ligament in his elbow and the Grizzlies’ decision to tank ended his season, Morant was finally looking like his old self, albeit in just eight games. At 27 years old, a healthy Morant has the potential to significantly impact Avdija, who averaged 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists last season. Standing 6-foot-8, Avdija combines size with scoring and passing ability, and having another player like Morant who can drive aggressively could help lessen the burden on him.
However, blending this roster won’t be simple. Even in his prime, Morant had shooting and defensive shortcomings. The Blazers can compensate defensively with Jrue Holiday and Toumani Camara, both of whom also offer shooting, screening, and playmaking on offense. Still, core players need to contribute those skills, too.
Morant has made 33% of his catch-and-shoot threes in his career, close to Avdija’s 34.5%, but spacing concerns persist if Camara can’t maintain his shooting progress and if Donovan Clingan doesn’t develop into a reliable spot-up shooter. Damian Lillard might need to play off-ball more to help with spacing, especially early on. While Lillard averaged nearly 25 points and 7 assists last season and earned an All-Star spot, he’s 36 and recovering from a torn Achilles, so his longevity remains uncertain. Blazers fans, however, know better than to count out Lillard.
Portland struggled offensively last year, ranking 22nd in isolation and 28th in pick-and-roll scoring efficiency. Lillard’s pull-up shooting and Morant’s playmaking could address these issues. Their presence together also reduces the pressure on each other, potentially allowing Lillard to manage a lighter workload as he eases back from injury, while still being the go-to guy in clutch moments.
It’s been an unusual season for the Blazers, but they’ve brought in respected assistant coach Micah Nori and assembled a mix of experienced veterans and young talent. Scoot Henderson might flourish as a sixth man, Clingan could emerge as a rare big man who defends well and shoots threes, Avdija could ascend from All-Star to All-NBA status, Lillard might rediscover his peak form, and Morant could still have several prime years ahead—or he could end up hampering Portland’s progress.
Fan Take: This trade is a fascinating gamble that could reshape the Blazers’ future and excite basketball fans who love high-risk, high-reward moves. If Morant returns to form, it could lead to thrilling new team dynamics and elevate the entire NBA landscape—making it a storyline worth watching closely.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
