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Former Iowa basketball star involved in NBA blockbuster trade
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- 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.
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For Portland, the move signals it is swinging for the fences and wants to start winning consistently. Morant has had injury and off-the-court issues, but he 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.
The trade 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. He'll get the opportunity for more playing time on a rebuilding Grizzlies squad. Murray should see an 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 scheduled to be a restricted free agent next summer. A breakout season in Memphis could get him paid next offseason. Struggles could put his NBA future in jeopardy.
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Only time will tell which team comes out on top in this trade. Murray will do his best to ensure 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
