Damian Lillard's Portland Blazers have made a significant trade, acquiring Ja Morant from Memphis. On the day leading up to the 2026 NBA free agency, this move sends a message.
What happened?
The Blazers traded Jerami Grant and Kris Murray for Morant, who played only 20 games last season due to elbow surgery.
Morant's volatile nature, with three suspensions in his career, may be balanced by Damian Lillard's gravitas. Lillard can potentially keep Morant in check.
Why it matters for Damian Lillard
This trade immediately joins the list of the biggest trades in Blazers history, although not as big as Rasheed Wallace in 1996 or Scottie Pippen in 1999.
The move is curious from a basketball standpoint, given the Blazers' poor shooting last season, with Morant shooting 23 percent from 3.
What comes next?
The Blazers now have four point guards, including Morant, Lillard, Jrue Holiday, and Scoot Henderson, making it likely they will unload one or two.
Holiday's contract and skill set make him a likely candidate to be traded next, with the Blazers needing to address immediate needs at center and power forward.
The Blazers are not expected to retain free agent center Robert Williams III, who is seeking a contract in the $15 million a year range, leaving only Yang Hansen as a backup to Donovan Clingan.
And the power forward position is thin, with Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara as the only options.
So the Blazers' roster is far from settled, with more moves on the horizon. Damian Lillard's leadership will be key in guiding the team through this period of change.