Oct 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Morant looked like a superstar in the playoffs, and Memphis was going to be one of the best teams in the West for years to come. Unfortunately, injuries and, more importantly, off-the-court issues have derailed Morant’s blossoming career, and Memphis was looking for any way to move on from him.
Portland decided to take a risk on Morant, and I think it’s a genius move. Morant turns 27 this season but has played only 79 games over the last three regular seasons. Durability is a massive concern, but Portland has the luxury of a very deep backcourt to bail him out.
Jrue Holiday, Damian Lillard, Scoot Henderson, and Morant make one of the most interesting backcourts in the league, but it’s more than just depth that intrigues me.
Some players simply need a change of scenery. Not to analyze Morant and the people he surrounds himself with, but it didn’t take a genius to see that Memphis was only exacerbating his issues.
Recent interviews have shined a much more positive light on Morant. He’s spoken very highly of his All-Star teammate Deni Avdija and seems much happier in Portland.
If Morant can stay on the floor, he really could raise Portland’s ceiling to that of a Western Conference contender. Throughout their first-round battle with the eventual Western Conference champs, the San Antonio Spurs, defense wasn’t the issue for the Blazers.
Currently, Portland has the 18th-best odds to make the Finals at +7500. Unless Avdija and company take massive leaps, I’m not sure they’re actually Finals contenders, but there still seems like some massive value to be found there.
Not a ton of books have odds yet, but the Blazers are projected to have a win total around 40.5 this year, and if that’s where the market opens, make sure to hammer the over for Portland.
