Damian Lillard highlights Ja Morant and his renewed happiness after joining the Portland Trail Blazers from Memphis.
The Portland Trail Blazers are seeing very positive early returns for guard Ja Morant following his offseason arrival from the Memphis Grizzlies via trade, according to recent team observations.
Speaking recently to reporter Jason Quick, teammate Damian Lillard noted that he has observed a significant amount of joy in Morant since the blockbuster transaction shifted his career path to the Pacific Northwest.
This renewed energy comes at a crucial career crossroads for Morant, who aims to reestablish his status as a dominant impact player, according to information published by bleache.
Ja Morant finds renewed happiness in Portland
Damian Lillard explained that he reads people well and can easily tell that his new backcourt teammate is not pretending to be happy in his current environment with the franchise.
According to Lillard, Morant constantly walks around with a smile, remains fully engaged during practice sessions, and actively talks with coaches and players to show his deep investment.
This positive mindset marks a sharp contrast to the end of his tenure in Memphis, where limited availability and missing athleticism raised concerns about his overall trajectory.
Overcoming past challenges and injuries
Morant played a total of just 79 games over his final three seasons with the Grizzlies, causing his trade value to plummet before the Trail Blazers acquired him in a contract swap.
The trade sent Jerami Grant and Kris Murray back to Memphis, giving Portland a high-upside star who recently won MVP of the Black-Grey game during the team fan fest.
Meanwhile, Lillard made his much-anticipated return to the court after tearing his Achilles on April 27, 2025, marking a major milestone for the veteran guard.
Preseason debut alongside Damian Lillard
Wednesday marked the very first time that Morant and Lillard shared the court in an official game as the Trail Blazers kicked off their preseason schedule against the Golden State Warriors.
Morant finished the matchup with eight points, five assists, and two steals in 19 minutes of action, while Lillard contributed 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting in 19 minutes.
Head coach Micah Nori utilized both star guards in the starting lineup, though he plans to tinker with the opening five throughout the preseason.
Trail Blazers look to improve in the Western Conference
The Portland front office hopes the addition of Morant and the return of Lillard will significantly improve their fortunes in a competitive Western Conference.
Last season, the team finished with a 42-40 record and secured a playoff berth, ultimately losing as the number seven seed in the first round to the San Antonio Spurs.
With a refreshed roster and high morale, the Trail Blazers aim to make a deeper postseason run behind their revitalized backcourt pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Ja Morant join the Portland Trail Blazers?
Ja Morant was acquired by the Portland Trail Blazers from the Memphis Grizzlies via an offseason trade and contract swap involving Jerami Grant and Kris Murray.
What did Damian Lillard say about Ja Morant?
Damian Lillard stated that he sees a lot of joy in Ja Morant, noting that his teammate walks around with a smile, is fully engaged in practice, and is genuinely happy in Portland.
How did Ja Morant and Damian Lillard perform in their preseason debut?
In their preseason debut against the Golden State Warriors, Ja Morant recorded eight points, five assists, and two steals, while Damian Lillard scored 15 points in 19 minutes.
