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By Matt Audilet
Contributing Sports Writer
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Ja Morant is heading to Portland for the next chapter of his NBA career.
On Monday, the Memphis Grizzlies sent Morant to the Trail Blazers in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, according to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania.
Morant entered the league as the Grizzlies' No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, winning Rookie of the Year in his debut season. He went on to notch back-to-back All-Star seasons in Memphis, winning Most Improved Player honors in 2021-22.
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Now, Morant joins a talented backcourt featuring veteran NBA point guard Damian Lillard. The Trail Blazers also get rid of Grant's massive contract, which was set to earn him a total of $70 million over the next two seasons.
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Morant hasn't appeared in more than 50 games since 2022-23 as he's dealt with a variety of injury and off-court issues over each of the past three seasons. Through 20 games last season, he averaged 19.1 points and 8.1 assists per game — his lowest figures since Year 2 in the NBA.
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The Grizzlies explored the trade market for Morant this past season, but were unable to get a deal done before the midseason deadline. The 26-year-old guard has $87 million remaining on his contract.
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