Asked on Monday about Trail Blazers‘ offseason trade for Ja Morantgeneral director Joe Cronin said he did significant work on the two-time All-Star point guard before finalizing the deal Jason Quick of The Athletic.
“I’ve studied Ja Morant for a long, long time, and I’m very, very confident that he’s a good guy” Cronin said.So scouting and learning him as a teammate, a member of the community… I have no problem.
“But I’m also a big believer in our environment and our ability to support it. To be near Lady Lillard and Jrue’s holiday it is a blessing. …They will influence Ja in their leadership, friendship, mentorship.”
As Quick points out, Morant has been limited to just 79 regular-season games over the past three years — including 20 in 2025/26 — due to injuries and suspensions. But the 27-year-old hopes to play every game this season and appears to be in good shape mentally.
“I told everyone that Portland was nothing but good to meMorant said.I thanked everyone who helped make this process easier – my father, my uncle, the staff – they help a lot. I have arranged everything now.”
Here’s more on blazers:
- New head coach Mika Nori spent a lot of time with Lillard this offseason, writes ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. “Dame literally just wants to win, I think that’s the only thing left for him to do” said Nori.In terms of fitness, I have seen him in the gym and in individual training sessions. … He’s in as good shape as he’s been, he told me, in his entire career.” For his part, Lillard said he is no longer thinking about the torn Achilles that cost him all of last season. “I talk about the injury when asked about it, but as far as the game goes, it’s not a thought“, he said.”I’m at that stage. I can play for free.” Lillard also expressed confidence in how a seemingly crowded backcourt will fit together, Shelburne adds.
- Heading into his fourth season, the former No. 3 overall pick Scoot Henderson is eligible for a rookie scale extension until October 19. Cronin said he has spoken with Henderson’s camp about a potential deal, Quick wrote. “Oftentimes, these kinds of deals are hard to come by, especially for a high-variance player like Scoot has been so far, who has had some really great moments and then some other moments where there are still questions about his game” Cronin said.But from a Trail Blazers perspective, he’s definitely a high-priority player for us. I would like him to be here with us for a long time. And if it doesn’t happen in the offseason, I wouldn’t worry too much about it. We still have one more offseason to deal with.” If Henderson does not sign an extension, he will become a restricted free agent next summer, subject to a qualifying offer.
- While he acknowledged some problems in the negotiations, the president of business operations Dewayne Hankins said Monday that the new ownership group is committed to keeping the team in Portland, trans Quick from The Athletic. Hankins said he continues to actively work with the city on a new lease and renovation plan for the Moda Center ahead of the December deadline. “We are committed to a deal that works for our property. We are committed to a deal that works for our government partners. We’re doing everything we can to make sure the Trail Blazers stay here” Hankins said.
