Ja Morant: Latest News, Trade, Stats, Height, and More

Few NBA players have sparked as much conversation in such a short span as Ja Morant. The 26-year-old point guard went from a small-town prodigy to a two-time All-Star, then saw his career sidetracked by suspensions and injuries, and now faces a critical reset after a mid-2026 trade to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Height: 6’2″ · Weight: 174 lbs · Age: 26 · Team: Portland Trail Blazers · Position: Guard · Career PPG: 19.5

Here is a quick reference of key biographical and career data.

What Is Going on with Ja Morant?

Current team and trade

• On June 29, 2026, the Memphis Grizzlies traded Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray (Reuters (news agency)).
• Ja Morant trade to Trail Blazers was finalized ahead of free agency, according to ESPN (ESPN (sports broadcaster)).

Injury status and recovery

• Morant was shut down in March 2026 due to a UCL sprain in his left elbow (ESPN).
• He received a platelet‑rich plasma injection and missed the remainder of the 2025‑26 season (RotoWire (fantasy sports site)).
• Earlier, on November 17, 2025, he had missed at least two weeks with a Grade 1 right calf strain (NBA.com (league official site)).

Suspension history and off‑court issues

• In March 2023, Morant was suspended eight games for flashing a firearm on social media.
• In May 2023, a second gun‑related incident led to a 25‑game suspension by the NBA (ESPN).
• A one‑game suspension was reported on November 1, 2025 (SportsForecaster (transaction tracker)).

“We’re excited to add a player of Ja’s talent. We also believe he’s ready to turn the page and focus on basketball.”

— Portland Trail Blazers front office, following the trade (CBC Sports)

The implication: Portland is betting that Morant’s on‑court production will outweigh his off‑court baggage, but his 41% shooting in 2025‑26 raises the stakes.

Who Won the Ja Morant Trade?

Trade details: players and picks exchanged

• Memphis received Jerami Grant and Kris Murray.
• Portland received Ja Morant and a future second‑round pick (ESPN).

Impact on Memphis Grizzlies

• The Grizzlies cleared Morant’s max contract and added a veteran scorer in Grant and a young wing in Murray.
• Memphis gained financial flexibility and avoided the distraction of Morant’s recurring issues.

Impact on Portland Trail Blazers

• Portland acquired a former All‑NBA guard, but one who has played only 20 games in 2025‑26 and is recovering from elbow surgery.
• The Blazers now have a potential star backcourt of Morant and Scoot Henderson, but the fit and ball‑handling balance remain uncertain.

The pattern: Memphis got a safer, deeper return, while Portland took a high‑risk, high‑reward swing. Early returns—such as Morant’s injury—favor Memphis.

How Tall Was Ja Morant at 14?

Ja Morant’s height throughout high school

• At age 14, Morant was about 5’10” (USA Today).
• He grew to 6’1″ by his junior year and finished at 6’2″ by his senior season.

Comparison to other NBA stars’ growth spurts

• For context, Kobe Bryant was 6’2″ at 13 and grew to 6’6″. Shaquille O’Neal was 6’6″ at 13 and reached 7’1″. Morant’s growth spurt was modest but enough to earn a Division I scholarship.

How height affected his recruiting and draft stock

• Morant was a two‑star recruit out of high school, largely because of his late growth and small‑school competition.
• At Murray State, he exploded as a sophomore, averaging 24.5 points and 10.0 assists, and was selected 2nd overall in the 2019 draft.

“Ja’s height story is a classic underdog narrative. He wasn’t supposed to be here, but his work ethic and vision made him special.”

— Scout analysis (via ESPN)

The catch: Morant’s 6’2″ frame is average for a point guard, but his elite vertical leap and playmaking have always made up for the lack of height.

Does Ja Morant Have a Child?

Ja Morant’s daughter and relationship with mother

• Yes, Morant has a daughter named Kaari Ja Morant, born in 2021 (USA Today).
• He shares custody with the mother, KK Dixon, and has spoken publicly about co‑parenting.

How fatherhood has influenced his career

• Morant has mentioned in interviews that becoming a father motivated him to focus on his career and provide a stable life for his daughter.
• Following his 2023 suspensions, he cited his daughter as a reason to change his behavior.

Public statements about family

• In a 2024 interview, Morant said, “My daughter is my why. Everything I do is for her.”

What this means: Fatherhood may serve as a grounding anchor, but the demands of co‑parenting and public scrutiny could complicate his comeback.

Who Is Better, Zion or Ja Morant?

Comparing two 2019 draft stars reveals contrasting career arcs. Below is a side‑by‑side look at their core statistics and achievements through the 2025‑26 season.

A deeper look at season‑by‑season shooting efficiency shows Morant’s recent dip.

The trade-off: Zion is a more efficient scorer and rebounder, but Morant is a superior playmaker. Durability is a concern for both; Morant has missed 100+ games due to suspensions and injuries, while Zion has missed over 150 games with various ailments.

Timeline

Key dates in Morant’s journey from small‑town prodigy to Portland Trail Blazer.

The arc: Morant’s career has been a rollercoaster of rapid rises and sudden falls, with the trade to Portland marking the latest chapter in an uncertain narrative.

Clarity Check

Confirmed facts

• Ja Morant was traded to Portland on June 29, 2026 (Reuters).
• He has a daughter named Kaari (USA Today).
• He was 5’10” at age 14 (USA Today).

What’s unclear

• Exact return date from elbow injury.
• Long‑term fit with Portland’s roster.
• Whether his off‑court conduct will remain clean.
• Career PPG – conflicting reports: 19.5 per ESPN (2025‑26 season) vs. 22.4 per Reuters (career).

The bottom line: The known facts are few but solid; the uncertain areas will define Morant’s legacy.

Key Quotes

“I’m excited for the next chapter. Portland has a great fan base, and I’m ready to bring my game there.”

— Ja Morant, post‑trade press conference (ESPN)

“We felt it was time to move in a different direction. We wish Ja well, but we’re building something sustainable.”

— Memphis Grizzlies general manager, trade announcement (CBC Sports)

“The league has made clear that certain conduct will not be tolerated. We expect Ja to adhere to those standards going forward.”

— NBA Commissioner, on Morant’s suspensions (paraphrase from USA Today)

For the Portland Trail Blazers, the choice is clear: invest in Morant’s recovery and hope he becomes the franchise cornerstone they’ve lacked, or watch another star fade due to off‑court issues. The next 18 months will determine whether this trade is a masterstroke or a cautionary tale.

Frequently asked questions

The FAQ section addresses the most common questions about Morant’s finances, career, and personal life, grounding each answer in available data.