Damian Lillard has officially welcomed his new backcourt partner. The Portland Trail Blazers traded for Ja Morant this offseason, officially ending his seven-year Memphis Grizzlies tenure.
The Portland star was out for the whole 2025-26 NBA season due to a torn Achilles. He picked up the injury during his 2025 playoff run with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Despite not playing a game, Lillard still won the NBA three-point contest during the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend. He joined Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time champions.
As for Morant, the former Memphis star only played 20 games this past season. He averaged 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 8.1 assists. Unfortunately, the 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year suffered an elbow injury in January. He was then ruled out of the remainder of the season in March.
After seven years, Morant was traded to the Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. On Tuesday, Lillard sent a message to his new teammate.
“Ja, what’s good bro?” he said. “Pleasure to have you, man. Welcome to Portland. Let’s get to work. Let’s do it.”
Lillard kept it short and sweet, but the message was loud and clear. He's welcoming Morant with open arms, but the 13-year veteran has also indicated his eagerness to start working.
Though the Portland duo's potential is yet to be seen, Blazers fans are excited to see their new backcourt combo.
The two-time All-Star will bring additional firepower to the Blazers. With Lillard set to return for the start of the new season, and Deni Avdija emerging as their new star, Portland might just make some noise in the West.
