Ja Morant is adjusting well to his new surroundings following his trade from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Portland Trail Blazers. He’s even started embracing the beauty of Oregon’s nature, revealing that he has picked up a few new outdoor hobbies this offseason.
“[Portland] is a very quiet spot, it’s nice,” the two-time NBA All-Star said, via Ben Golliver of ESPN.
“I don’t know if you all have been paying attention to me lately, but I’ve been kind of into nature. I feel like that’s a bonus. I’m not hiking, but I go walking, ride a bike, I’ve been kayaking. Just being grateful for being alive and the things I do have and my family. And to now have a fresh start. It’s just mind clearing.”
Portland can only hope that Morant’s newfound love of the wilderness will translate to effective basketball on the court and help him stay out of trouble.
After seven seasons with the Grizzlies, Morant was sent by Memphis to the Trail Blazers in June along with cash in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. Both teams also generated trade exceptions through that deal.
Drafted second overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, the 26-year-old Morant arrives in Portland with career averages of 22.4 points, 7.4 assists and 4.6 rebounds across 327 games.
