Ja Morant says his move to the Portland Trail Blazers is about far more than basketball. Speaking publicly for the first time since his June trade from the Memphis Grizzlies, the two-time All-Star said the change gives him an opportunity to reshape how he is viewed while beginning the next chapter of his NBA career.
Morant addressed reporters during NBA Summer League in Las Vegas on Saturday, stressing that his biggest goal is changing the perception surrounding him after the off-court incidents that defined parts of his tenure in Memphis.
“What would I like cleared up? I think you know the answer to that. My image. [That] I’m a bad guy,” Morant said, per Ben Golliver of ESPN. “I’m Ja. I’ve done what I’ve done in the past, but it’s been addressed and handled already. I don’t see why, years later, that’s still the topic when nothing’s happened since. If I was that guy, y’all wouldn’t be talking to me now. I wouldn’t be here.”
Those comments reference the two firearm-related incidents in 2023 that resulted in an eight-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the league and a separate 25-game suspension to begin the 2023-24 season. Morant was also suspended one game by the Grizzlies during the 2025-26 season following a confrontation with coach Tuomas Iisalo after a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Portland acquired the 26-year-old point guard on June 29, sending Jerami Grant, Kris Murray and future second-round picks to Memphis. The move fits the Trail Blazers’ strategy of maintaining long-term financial flexibility while adding a former All-NBA talent whose contract runs through 2028.
Morant embraced the opportunity to begin again with a franchise that finished 42-40 last season before losing to the eventual Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs.
“New home. New team. New organization,” Morant said. “I get to show the fans in Portland a different Ja. It’s like starting all over again. Over the years, I’ve grown a lot and learned a lot. My mindset changed. I go into things differently now. I feel more mature, and I’m ready to work.”
The Trail Blazers already feature an experienced and talented rotation led by Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Deni Avdija, Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Avdija earned his first All-Star selection after averaging 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 2025-26, while Sharpe added 20.8 points per game.
Rather than expressing concern about Portland’s crowded backcourt, Morant welcomed the challenge.
“All those guys will most likely unlock new parts of my game, and I’ll do the same for them,” he said. “I don’t think it will be a problem having us on the floor or making sure minutes match or anything. We’re all very unselfish.”
After injuries limited him to just 20 games last season, Morant said his health is no longer an issue. He averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists while shooting 41.0% from the field in 2025-26, well below his career averages of 22.4 points and 7.4 assists across seven NBA seasons.
“My body feels great,” Morant said, explaining that he spent the past four months “making sure I was in shape and working” despite ongoing trade speculation.
Morant also spoke warmly about his former franchise, which selected him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. During seven seasons in Memphis, he helped lead the Grizzlies to four playoff appearances and developed into a two-time All-Star and 2022 Most Improved Player.
“[The reaction from Memphis] was all love,” Morant said. “It’s some [fans] that might say bad things about me. I don’t look at it like it’s hate or anything. I just look at it as tough love from a family member. I have family members that do the same thing. I love Memphis, I love the fans, I love my teammates. It definitely was some good years.”
Regarding Portland, Morant said, “It rains a lot. I got took fishing in the rain. … Lately, I’ve been kind of into nature. That’s a bonus for me. I’m not hiking! But I can go walking, ride a bike, I’ve been kayaking.”
