Former Iowa basketball star involved in NBA blockbuster trade

Life in the NBA can change on a dime. Former Iowa basketball forward Kris Murray found that out the hard way.

>On Monday, news broke of a blockbuster NBA trade involving the Memphis Grizzlies and the Portland Trail Blazers. The Grizzlies are dealing two-time All-Star guard Ja Morant to the Trail Blazers in exchange for forward Jerami Grant and Kris Murray.

>For Portland, it's a move that signals they're swinging for the fences and ready to start winning consistently. Morant has some injury and off-the-court issues, but is a talented player when available. The Grizzlies are getting off his contract and get to recoup a little value with Murray, a former first-round pick.

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BREAKING: The Memphis Grizzlies are trading two-time NBA All-Star Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/FJOTzGe5Tr

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2026The trade officially ends Murray's tenure in Portland. He appeared in 188 games as a Trail Blazer, making 50 starts. He averaged 5.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.7 steals per game over those three years. He'll now get the opportunity for more playing time on a rebuilding Grizzlies squad. Murray should see some extended run as Memphis sets itself up for the 2027 NBA Draft.

>It's a huge year for Murray's future in the NBA. He's entering the final year of his rookie contract and is set to be a restricted free agent next summer. A breakout year in Memphis could get him paid next offseason. Struggles could put his NBA future in jeopardy.

>Only time will tell which team comes out on top in this trade. Murray will do his best to ensure that the Trail Blazers regret giving up on him.

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>This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Former Iowa basketball star involved in NBA blockbuster trade