Ja Morant Trades to Portland, Declares Himself Top In‑Game Dunker
Ja Morant officially landed in Portland on **July 9, 2026**, after the Trail Blazers completed a blockbuster trade, and the same day he told Overtime he believes he’s the best in‑game dunker the NBA has ever seen.
The trade that sent Morant from Memphis to Portland was announced early July 2026, pairing the 26‑year‑old point guard with Damian Lillard. The move ended months of speculation and gave the Blazers a dynamic backcourt. In a post‑trade interview with Overtime, Morant was asked to rank historic dunkers. He repeatedly chose Zion Williamson, then finally declared, “Ja Morant or Ja Morant? Me.” The clip, shared by ClutchPoints on Twitter, quickly went viral.
Morant’s self‑assessment fuels a long‑standing debate about dunk greatness. While legends like Vince Carter, Dominique Wilkins and LeBron James have amassed dozens of highlight‑reel slams, Morant’s 2025‑26 season featured 34 in‑game dunks, many over elite defenders. By naming himself alongside Zion Williamson, he positions his athletic brand for marketing deals and cements his reputation as a highlight‑factory guard, a rare trait for a point guard of his size.
Portland’s fast‑paced offense should give Morant more transition opportunities, the setting where his explosive leaping shines. Last season he averaged 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game. If he can stay healthy, the Blazers expect his scoring to rise above 22 points per game, while his playmaking could push Lillard into a more off‑ball role. Defensive concerns remain, but the duo’s spacing may reduce the need for Morant to guard top‑tier wings.
The NBA regular season opens on **Oct. 23, 2026**, and Morant will debut in a home game against the Denver Nuggets. Fans will watch closely to see if his confidence translates into on‑court dominance and whether his bold dunk claim holds up against the league’s elite. Meanwhile, the trade has already reshaped the Western Conference power balance, making the Blazers a legitimate playoff contender.
The Overtime clip sparked a flurry of social‑media commentary. Analysts praised Morant’s swagger, while former players reminded him of the sheer volume of Carter’s dunks. Yet the interview also highlighted Morant’s humility about his South Carolina roots, noting his respect for Williamson’s high‑school and college highlights. The conversation underscores how personal branding and on‑court performance intertwine in today’s NBA.