Ja Morant trade already looks like another Joe Cronin gamble that pays off for Blazers

Rip City Project's Reese Kunz argues that the Portland Trail Blazers' offseason trade for Ja Morant is shaping up as another successful gamble by general manager Joe Cronin. Despite early skepticism regarding his roster fit and off-court history, Morant's offensive playmaking and defensive effort in the preseason have quickly proven effective alongside frontcourt anchor Donovan Clingan.

The writer notes that Portland acquired Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies by trading away Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. Kunz concludes that this talent upgrade represents a significant win that raises the rebuilding Blazers' competitive ceiling ahead of their regular-season opener against the Phoenix Suns.