Sawt Falasteen - Morant looks forward to fresh start in Portland

Morant, speaking to a group of reporters during the NBA's Summer League in Las Vegas, said he had more to offer than the "bad guy" image spawned in part by a pair of suspensions in 2023 for displaying a gun in social media videos.

"I've done what I've done in the past, but it has been addressed and handled already," Morant said. "I don't see why years later that's still the topic when nothing has happened since.

"If I was 'that guy,' y'all wouldn't be talking to me now. I wouldn't be here."

Since he was selected by Memphis with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Morant has shown flashes of brilliance.

He was the 2020 Rookie of the Year and averaged 22.4 points, 7.4 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game for the Grizzlies over seven seasons, during which Memphis reached the playoffs four times.

The Grizzlies suspended him for one game last November after a sideline clash with coach Tuomas Iisalo, but his biggest troubles in the 2025-26 campaign stemmed from injuries, with calf, ankle and elbow injuries limiting him to 20 games.

"My body feels great," the 26-year-old said, adding that as trade speculation swirled around him for several months, he took pains to make sure he was in shape.

"I get to show the fans in Portland a different Ja," he said. "It's like starting all over again.

"Over the years I've grown a lot and learned a lot," Morant added. "I go into things differently now. I feel more mature, and I'm ready to work."

Q.Najjar--SF-PST