On the eve of his first matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies since being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, Ja Morant says he's "not a big grudge guy" and is treating Thursday's contest versus his former club as "just another game on the schedule."
"Nothing harsh from me for Memphis. At all," Morant told reporters Wednesday, including The Athletic's Jason Quick.
Morant spent his first seven seasons with the Grizzlies after being taken with the No. 2 overall pick in 2019.
The 6-foot-2 floor general led Memphis to four playoff appearances. However, Morant and the Grizzles managed just one playoff series win over that span.
Morant enjoyed great individual success as a member of the Grizzlies, earning two All-Star nods, an All-NBA second-team selection, Most Improved Player honors, and the Rookie of the Year award.
But his relationship with the franchise began to sour as he was suspended on multiple occasions for conduct detrimental to the team.
Morant also reportedly butted heads last season with Memphis head coach Tuomas Iisalo.
The Blazers guard took some accountability for his behavior, which ultimately factored into the Grizzlies' decision to trade him last summer.
"Obviously, (the Grizzlies were) at a great point … and obviously, I got into trouble," Morant said. "And the dominoes pretty much went from there. Guys started getting traded. New guys coming in … and then it came to me. I take responsibility for stuff that I caused, but it wasn't all me."
Morant is off to a solid start in Portland, averaging 16.3 points on 58.8% shooting - including a 44.4% clip from deep - across three appearances.
Both the Grizzlies (4-0) and Blazers (3-0) are undefeated heading into Thursday's clash. The game will take place at Portland's Moda Center. Morant and the Blazers don't visit Memphis until Feb. 6.
