Whether or not fans believe the trade to Portland was the right decision, everyone can agree that the Ja Morant era didn't have the ending everyone hoped for. The Grizzlies are facing an exciting new era of basketball, but Ja Morant's first comments after the trade are still noteworthy on the Memphis side of things. However, it's safe to say a split was the best outcome for both the Grizzlies and Ja Morant.
There is rightfully so much excitement about players such as Cam Boozer and Cedric Coward; however, it was still worth looking out for Morant's thoughts on the trade. No matter how it ended, Ja Morant remains one of the most beloved players to wear a Grizzlies jersey, and it was important for many to get some closure.
Before diving deeper, it just feels rather clear that both the Grizzlies and Ja Morant had to move on given where both parties are at currently.
A fresh start made sense for everyone this summer
Probably the most important quote from Ja Morant's interview was the focus on a new start. He had the following to say:
"New home. New team. New organization... I get to show the fans in Portland a different Ja. It's like starting all over again. ... Over the years, I've grown a lot and learned a lot. My mindset changed. I go into things differently now. I feel more mature, and I'm ready to work."
What probably stands out the most are the parts about a different Ja and starting all over again. Given how the last few seasons played out, it seemed very unlikely that Ja Morant would return to his previous best in a Memphis jersey. Now, he has the chance to show what once made him so special early on in the Grizzlies' Next Gen Era.
It will be essential for Ja Morant to stay healthy in Portland, but similar to former Grizzlies such as Dillon Brooks, a fresh start might be the thing to help Morant return closer to his previous peak. On the flip side, it is truly hard to blame the Grizzlies for wanting to move on at the time they did.
With two years and $87 million left on his deal, the team wasn't getting enough in terms of on-court production and availability. The other important factor to consider is the fact that the team was already entering a new rebuild.
The Grizzlies had already shifted their focus from the previous core of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. to a new core in Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, and the third overall pick, Cam Boozer. If the Grizzlies were going to go all in on a new era of basketball, now was simply the perfect time to move on from Ja Morant.
Ja Morant also went on to say that Memphis will "always be home" and that he loves the fans and teammates. The bond between Morant and the city will never break, and nothing changes the fact that he is one of the best players to ever wear a Grizzlies jersey.
Today's interview was an eye-opening one, and while it wasn't the ending Memphis fans hoped for, it is clear that everyone needed a fresh start.
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