Ja Morant started his first regular-season game for the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 21, months after Memphis traded him following three seasons of injuries and suspensions.

The Grizzlies traded him on June 29, 2026, for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. No draft picks changed hands, and Memphis also sent $1 million.

He played only 79 games over the previous three seasons, including 20 in 2025-26, after injuries to his shoulder, ankle, calf and elbow.

Portland routed Phoenix 124-83 in the opener after scoring the game's first 21 points. Morant had 14 points and eight assists.

Damian Lillard led Portland with 25 points. Coach Micah Nori started Morant and Lillard together and pulled his starters early in the fourth quarter.

Morant was the No. 2 pick in 2019, Rookie of the Year in 2020 and Most Improved Player in 2022.

In 2023 he was suspended twice over videos showing firearms, which cost him 33 games and about $8.3 million in salary.

A sprained UCL in his left elbow ended his 2025-26 season in March. He averaged 19.5 points and shot a career-low 41%.

Morant, 27, carries a $42.2 million cap hit this season and can become a free agent in 2028.

Read the full article for more on Ja Morant's move to Portland.