Ja Morant Open to Blazers Bench Role, Emphasizes Desire to Win After Trade from Grizzlies

Ja Morant indicated on Monday that he would be open to a bench role with the Portland Trail Blazers if that's what the team felt was necessary.

"I think winning is the most important thing for me," he told reporters when asked about his potential role and if being a starter was important to him. "So whatever role I have to play to get that done, I don't think anybody would be mad after a win. As a starter, if I'm starting, if I'm not, it's the same thing. It's day one right now, I feel like that's coach's questions, but for me I have no problem with either."

Morant's comments are a positive sign for the Blazers, especially after reports from his time in Memphis indicated that he clashed with coaches at times and eventually felt a disconnect with his teammates as well.

In Portland, there are questions about how the guard rotation will shake out, with Morant, franchise legend Damian Lillard, veteran Jrue Holiday and young talent Scott Henderson all needing minutes. The expectation is that Lillard and Morant will be the starting backcourt, though both are traditionally on-ball players.

When happy and healthy, the 27-year-old Morant is one of the most dynamic players in the sport. The 2019-20 Rookie of the Year and two-time All-Star has averaged 22.4 points and 7.4 assists per game in his career, but injuries and off-court issues have limited him to just 79 games total over the past three seasons.

Whether Morant still has the elite athleticism that once made him so explosive off the dribble—and so incredible above the rim—is a major unknown heading into the 2026-27 season. So is the role he'll play in Portland.

But for now, Morant is saying the right things.