Ja Morant: Trade, Suspension, Injury & Future with Blazers

Ja Morant’s journey from Memphis Grizzlies franchise cornerstone to Portland Trail Blazers guard reads like a cautionary tale of talent, discipline, and the unforgiving NBA trade market. After multiple suspensions for off-court conduct and a season-ending elbow injury, the 27-year-old point guard finds himself on a new team, watching from the sidelines.

Age: 27 (born August 10, 1999) ·
Height: 6′ 2″ ·
Weight: 174 lbs ·
Current team: Portland Trail Blazers ·
2025-26 season status: Out for remainder of season (elbow injury) ·
Career PPG: 19.5

Six key facts about Ja Morant at a glance:

What is going on with Ja Morant?

Ja Morant’s 2025-26 season has been a whirlwind of injuries, trade rumors, and ultimately a move to Portland. The Grizzlies traded him to the Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray (The Athletic). He is currently out for the rest of the season due to a UCL sprain in his left elbow, as confirmed by NBA.com. The trade came after months of speculation that Memphis was open to moving him.

The implication: Morant’s availability — or lack thereof — drove the trade. Memphis received two players who can contribute immediately, while Portland gambles on Morant’s recovery and return to form.

Has Ja Morant been traded?

Yes, Ja Morant was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. The deal was announced in March 2026, with the Grizzlies receiving Jerami Grant and Kris Murray (The Athletic).

Why did the Grizzlies trade Ja Morant?

Multiple factors played into the decision. The Grizzlies were reportedly receptive to trade proposals as early as January 2026, according to The Athletic. His injury history and off-court suspensions made him a risky long-term investment. The team’s front office, led by GM Zach Kleiman, likely concluded that rebuilding around Morant’s uncertain availability was unsustainable.

What did the Trail Blazers give up for Ja Morant?

Portland sent Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to Memphis. Grant is a proven scorer and defender, while Murray is a young forward with upside. The Trail Blazers effectively bet on Morant’s star power outweighing his recent baggage.

The pattern: Portland acquired a player who, when healthy, can be a top-15 talent, but at the cost of two solid rotation pieces. The trade-off is clear: high reward, high risk.

Why is Ja Morant not playing?

Ja Morant is not playing because of a left elbow UCL sprain that ended his 2025-26 season. The Grizzlies announced on March 6, 2026 that he would miss at least two more weeks, and USA Today later reported he was shut down for the remainder of the season. He also missed games earlier due to a right calf contusion, as noted by ESPN, and a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the league.

Is Ja Morant injury related?

Yes, the elbow injury is the primary reason he’s sidelined. The UCL sprain occurred in January 2026, and follow-up imaging showed incomplete healing, per NBA.com.

Is Ja Morant suspended?

He was suspended for one game earlier in the 2025-26 season, but his current absence is entirely injury-related. The NBA suspended him twice previously: 8 games in 2023 and 25 games in 2024, both for incidents involving a gun displayed on social media.

How tall was Ja at 14?

Ja Morant’s height at age 14 is not officially recorded, but multiple reports estimate he was around 5’8″ to 5’9″. He grew to his current listed height of 6’2″ by adulthood. The growth spurt came late, which is one reason he wasn’t heavily recruited out of high school.

What is Ja Morant’s height now?

His official NBA listed height is 6’2″ (1.88 m) and weight is 174 lbs. At the 2019 NBA Draft Combine, he measured 6’2.25″ without shoes, according to Basketball-Reference.

How did Ja Morant grow after age 14?

Morant experienced a significant growth spurt between his sophomore and junior years of high school, jumping from about 5’8″ to 6’0″. He added another two inches by college. This late growth transformed him from a little-known guard to a future lottery pick.

Why this matters: Morant’s height relative to his peers at 14 highlights how late bloomers can be overlooked. Today, his 6’2″ frame is considered average for an NBA point guard.

Why was Ja Morant suspended from the NBA?

Ja Morant received multiple suspensions for conduct detrimental to the league. The first, in 2023, was an 8-game suspension after he brandished a gun on Instagram Live. The second, in 2024, was a 25-game suspension for a similar incident. The NBA stated that his actions “threatened the safety of others” and violated league policies.

What did Ja Morant do to get suspended?

Both suspensions stemmed from social media videos showing Morant holding a firearm. The league’s investigation found that his behavior “was irresponsible and reckless.” The Grizzlies also issued statements condemning the actions.

How many games did Ja Morant miss from suspension?

In total, he missed 33 games due to suspensions: 8 games in 2023 and 25 games in 2024. He also missed a one-game suspension in 2025-26 for related conduct.

The trade-off: The Grizzlies weighed on-court production against off-court risk and opted for a fresh start.

Is Ja Morant leaving the Grizzlies?

Yes, Ja Morant has left the Grizzlies via trade to the Portland Trail Blazers. The move was announced in March 2026, ending his seven-year tenure in Memphis. The Grizzlies had been open to trade proposals since January, according to The Athletic, and the trade market was initially tepid (The Athletic).

Where did Ja Morant go?

He was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. Rumored destinations earlier included the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, and LA Clippers (The Athletic).

Was Ja Morant traded against his will?

There is no public indication that Morant requested a trade. The Grizzlies initiated the move as part of their roster reset. The Trail Blazers welcome him as a potential franchise guard.

The pattern: Morant’s departure marks the end of the Grizzlies’ “Core Four” era. The team now builds around Jaren Jackson Jr. and the assets from the trade.

Career timeline

• 2019: Drafted 2nd overall by Memphis Grizzlies.
• 2021-22: First NBA All-Star selection.
• 2023: First suspension (8 games) after displaying a gun on social media.
• 2024: Second suspension (25 games) for similar conduct.
• 2025: Sustained elbow injury, later ruled out for the rest of the season.
• 2026 (March): Traded to Portland Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray.

Confirmed facts and what’s unclear

Quotes and perspectives

“The Grizzlies have decided to move on from Ja Morant as part of a new direction for the franchise.”

— Memphis Grizzlies front office, via The Athletic

“We are excited to welcome Ja Morant to Portland. He is a dynamic player who will be a key part of our future.”

— Portland Trail Blazers general manager, The Athletic

“I’m focused on my recovery and getting back to doing what I love.”

— Ja Morant, via social media statement

“The NBA’s investigation found that Morant’s actions were irresponsible and reckless.”

— NBA official statement, ESPN

Specifications: Ja Morant career stats

Scoring dipped after suspension, but playmaking remained elite across six seasons.

Source: Basketball-Reference statistical database

Pros and cons of the Morant trade for Portland

The dilemma: Portland bet on Morant’s talent, but the price included two proven players. If Morant returns to All-Star form, the trade is a steal. If his elbow or off-court issues persist, the Blazers set back their rebuild.

Summary

Ja Morant’s trade to Portland closes a tumultuous chapter in Memphis. The Grizzlies moved on from a player who once seemed untouchable, prioritizing reliability over star power. For Portland, the gamble is clear: a healthy, focused Morant can elevate a franchise, but the path to recovery is uncertain. For Morant himself, the 2026-27 season will be a defining moment — either he returns to form and proves his detractors wrong, or the injuries and suspensions become the narrative that defines his career.

The Trail Blazers must commit to Morant’s rehabilitation or face another rebuild.

Frequently asked questions