The NBA offseason delivered another stunning twist on Monday as former Iowa standout Kris Murray found himself at the center of one of the biggest trades of the summer. Murray is heading to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the blockbuster deal that sends two-time NBA All-Star Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers, a move that could reshape the future of both franchises.
While Morant’s departure understandably grabbed the headlines, Murray’s inclusion in the trade is significant. The young forward now has an opportunity to begin a new chapter with a Memphis team that is rapidly reinventing itself after several disappointing seasons and a series of major roster changes. The trade is expected to become official after standard NBA approval and player physicals.
Portland will receive Morant, while Memphis acquires veteran forward Jerami Grant and Murray in return. The move signals a fresh start for all parties involved, particularly for Morant, whose once-promising tenure with the Grizzlies was repeatedly interrupted by injuries and off-court issues despite flashes of superstar brilliance.
For Murray, the trade represents more than simply changing teams. The former Iowa Hawkeye enters a new environment where playing time and development could become much more accessible as the Grizzlies continue reshaping their roster around younger talent and future flexibility.
Selected with the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Murray entered the league after an impressive collegiate career at Iowa. He developed into one of the Big Ten’s most reliable forwards, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor while following in the footsteps of his twin brother, Keegan Murray, who quickly established himself as one of the NBA’s rising young forwards.
Although Murray has yet to produce eye-catching numbers during his first three NBA seasons, he has shown flashes of becoming a dependable two-way contributor. Across his NBA career, he has averaged 5.3 points per game while continuing to improve his shooting, defensive awareness and overall confidence whenever given meaningful opportunities.
His arrival in Memphis comes during a period of significant change for the organization. The Grizzlies have dismantled much of the roster that only a few years ago emerged as one of the Western Conference’s brightest young teams. After previously moving players such as Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., the franchise has now officially closed another major chapter by sending away Morant, the player once viewed as its long-term cornerstone.
Morant leaves Memphis after seven seasons that featured spectacular highlights, All-Star appearances and unforgettable performances. Drafted second overall in 2019, he quickly transformed the Grizzlies into playoff contenders and captured the NBA Rookie of the Year award before becoming one of the league’s most exciting guards.
However, injuries and suspensions prevented him from consistently reaching his enormous potential. During the last three seasons, Morant appeared in only 79 games, including just 20 contests during the 2025-26 campaign. Last season he averaged 19.5 points, 8.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds before another injury cut his season short. Throughout his NBA career, Morant has averaged 22.4 points, 7.4 assists and 4.6 rebounds, numbers that remind everyone why Portland believes he can still become one of the league’s elite players.
For the Trail Blazers, the gamble is obvious. If Morant can remain healthy and stay focused, Portland may have acquired one of the NBA’s most explosive playmakers without surrendering multiple future draft picks. His athleticism, speed and ability to create offense instantly raise the team’s ceiling heading into next season.
Still, questions remain about how Portland’s crowded backcourt will function after adding Morant. Several league observers have already speculated that the franchise could pursue additional trades before training camp to balance its roster and maximize Morant’s impact.
Meanwhile, Memphis receives not only Murray but also veteran forward Jerami Grant, who enjoyed another productive campaign by averaging 18.6 points in 57 games last season. Grant’s experience should provide leadership for a younger Grizzlies roster, while Murray could develop into an important long-term rotation piece if given consistent minutes.
For Iowa basketball fans, the trade marks another milestone in Murray’s professional journey. After building his reputation as one of college basketball’s most dependable forwards, he now has an opportunity to prove he belongs in a larger NBA role. Memphis may offer exactly the kind of environment needed for that growth.
As the Grizzlies continue building toward the future, Murray will undoubtedly be eager to show that he was much more than a secondary piece in a blockbuster transaction. Young players often flourish after receiving a fresh opportunity, and Memphis appears ready to invest in developing its newest acquisition.
Only time will determine which team ultimately benefits most from this headline-grabbing deal. But one thing is already clear: Kris Murray’s move to Memphis could become one of the offseason’s most intriguing under-the-radar storylines, especially if he capitalizes on the opportunity created by one of the NBA’s biggest trades in recent memory.
