1 for 2! Morant traded to the Trail Blazers! Grizzlies dump their problem child

It is truly a stunning report.

Shams broke the news with authority and confirmed it: the Grizzlies and Trail Blazers have finalized a blockbuster exchange—Morant moves to Portland, and the Grizzlies get Jerami Grant and Chris Murray.

This deal is a straight player-for-player swap (1 for 2) without any draft capital involved.

Seeing this proposal, many fans may find it hard to understand why a two-time All-Star and once highly touted future centerpiece would be traded for such a modest return.

In fact, as early as the start of this year, the Grizzlies had publicly put Morant on the market, initially asking for a first-round pick plus a quality young prospect.

As it turned out, they couldn't sell him.

This past season, he played only 20 regular-season games, averaging a mere 19.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game, with a sharp decline in scoring efficiency and a three-point percentage as low as 23.5%.

Oh, and Morant is currently on a hefty contract with about $87 million remaining over the next two years—$42.17 million for the 2026-27 season and $44.89 million for 2027-28.

More than the impact of injuries, the off-court controversies have dealt a far more fatal blow to his career.

He has been repeatedly involved in negative incidents such as brandishing firearms and disturbing the peace, resulting in multiple suspensions by the NBA league office. Not only has his personal public image plummeted,

but the Grizzlies have finally had enough and decided to let go.

If you're a fan of this team, your first reaction might be: that unstable element is finally gone.

As for what they got in return, it hardly matters.

Grant, an expiring contract.

Whether they choose to extend him or trade him for draft assets, they have plenty of flexibility.

Murray, a young player with impressive physical tools and high defensive intensity, can be developed.

In short, the Grizzlies' decision to give up uncertain talent in exchange for stable, ready-to-play contributions and controllable young potential is the most rational choice for a rebuilding team.

They can now focus on developing Boozer's son and give him a better environment!

As for the Trail Blazers.

It's hard for them to acquire a player of Morant's talent level through the draft. By landing the "Gun King" with zero draft picks, they directly fill their biggest weakness, instantly upgrading their backcourt talent to elite status.

Nobody can guarantee he won't cause trouble again, but at least at this price, it's worth a shot.

A very realistic issue now is severe congestion in the backcourt.

The roster already features Lillard, Morant, Holiday, Henderson, and Sharpe—all ball-dominant guards. Further trades will be necessary.

Otherwise, even two balls wouldn't be enough to share.

Don't forget, Avdija also became a primary ball-handler last season...

After this trade, many people will think of Yang Hansen and even imagine him linking up with the Gun King.

To that, I'd like to say... three things.

1. The subsequent trades are unpredictable; who knows what will happen.

2. Looking at the Blazers' roster, do you really expect a second-year rookie to get the chance to direct traffic?

3. Predictably, his situation next season will also be very challenging.