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For a long time, the prospect of the Memphis Grizzlies trading star point guard Ja Morant seemed impossible to fans.
In a 2025-26 season that seemed like it would never end, Morant's departure felt inevitable.
Well, the day finally came.
Ja Morant has reportedly been traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, ending a seven-year tenure that was once full of promise and playoff dreams. In the trade, Memphis will receive forwards Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. Here's how fans and the NBA world reacted to the trade of the two-time All-Star and former NBA Rookie of the Year:
Since it was first reported on Jan. 9 that Memphis was listening to trade offers for Morant, Grizzlies fans likely knew this day was coming. Still, it's bittersweet, as the page officially flips from the Morant era — which once included Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane — to a new one led by 2026 No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer, Cedric Coward and Zach Edey.
Social media was filled with messages of sadness, but also of finality, as the Grizzlies' brightest star leaves the city.
Despite the months of trade rumors, the off-court controversies and terse postgame quotes, Morant was and likely always will be a beloved figure in Memphis. Those who spent time around the former Grizzlies star swapped stories and memories about his time in the 901:
The longer the Morant trade saga lasted, the more likely it seemed Memphis would have to settle for a lesser trade to move the former No. 2 overall draft pick. However, some fans and analysts were positive about Memphis retaining its draft assets, the players it acquired in the 2026 draft, and the lineup possibilities moving forward:
Wendell Shepherd Jr. is The Commercial Appeal's high school sports beat writer. Reach Wendell at [email protected] or on X @wendellsjr_.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies fans, NBA world react to Ja Morant trade
Continue reading...
In a 2025-26 season that seemed like it would never end, Morant's departure felt inevitable.
Well, the day finally came.
Ja Morant has reportedly been traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, ending a seven-year tenure that was once full of promise and playoff dreams. In the trade, Memphis will receive forwards Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. Here's how fans and the NBA world reacted to the trade of the two-time All-Star and former NBA Rookie of the Year:
The end of an era and a drawn out saga
Since it was first reported on Jan. 9 that Memphis was listening to trade offers for Morant, Grizzlies fans likely knew this day was coming. Still, it's bittersweet, as the page officially flips from the Morant era — which once included Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane — to a new one led by 2026 No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer, Cedric Coward and Zach Edey.
Social media was filled with messages of sadness, but also of finality, as the Grizzlies' brightest star leaves the city.
Grizzlies fans express love for Ja Morant
Despite the months of trade rumors, the off-court controversies and terse postgame quotes, Morant was and likely always will be a beloved figure in Memphis. Those who spent time around the former Grizzlies star swapped stories and memories about his time in the 901:
The bright side of the trade
The longer the Morant trade saga lasted, the more likely it seemed Memphis would have to settle for a lesser trade to move the former No. 2 overall draft pick. However, some fans and analysts were positive about Memphis retaining its draft assets, the players it acquired in the 2026 draft, and the lineup possibilities moving forward:
Wendell Shepherd Jr. is The Commercial Appeal's high school sports beat writer. Reach Wendell at [email protected] or on X @wendellsjr_.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies fans, NBA world react to Ja Morant trade
Continue reading...
