Jerami Grant‘s name has popped up in trade rumors multiple times this offseason. Should the Trail Blazers move him? Dave Deckard of Blazers Edge explores that topic, writing that the veteran forward’s skill set is better suited for a contending team than a rebuilding squad like Portland, which finished just 21-61 last season, tied for the third-worst record in the NBA.
Still, while the 30-year-old might make more sense on a team that’s interested in winning now than in the future, the Blazers shouldn’t feel any rush to deal him right away, according to Deckard, who points out that Grant is under contract for at least three more seasons, with a $36.4MM player option for 2027/28.
Here’s more on the Blazers:
- A difficult schedule, combined the increasingly competitive Western Conference, will put Portland firmly in the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes without needing to intentionally tank down the stretch in 2024/25, writes Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report. Flagg, who will play for Duke this season, is considered the top prospect in the 2025 draft class, but there are other players who are in the mix for the No. 1 pick, Highkin notes.
- The Blazers recently announced that they will celebrate Hall of Famer Bill Walton‘s life on March 9 (Twitter link via Highkin). As Highkin points out, Portland will face Detroit on that date, and former NBA forward and head coach Luke Walton, Bill’s son, will be in attendance — he’s currently an assistant with the Pistons. Bill passed away in May after a long battle with cancer. He helped bring the Blazers their first and only championship in 1977, claiming Finals MVP in the process. He also won the league’s MVP the following year with Portland.
- In case you missed it, the Blazers are parting ways with ROOT Sports and will be moving their games to an over-the-air network, with more details to be announced soon. They also added forward Henri Drell on an Exhibit 10 deal last week.
If Lakers want any shot at it this yr. They should be looking at Grant. I’d give up Knecht for him.
His contract is too prohibitive. He is probably worth what he is being paid but no “contender” is going to give up multiple draft assets to acquire him, never mind the players it would take to match salaries. He is the 3rd or 4th best player on any team with real championship aspirations
I’d be fine keeping Grant, that 3 and D skill set is always going to be valuable plus I don’t see his production falling off a mountain.
He’s just had back to back season scoring over 20 points per game on over 40% from 3, it’s just a matter of time before someone comes knocking.
Portland should be looking more so to move Ayton who’s just blocking the way forward for Clingan. You’ve already got RobWill and Reath as back ups, you don’t need 4 centres in your top 15.
Here’s my idea:
Portland:John Collins, Taylor Hendricks and a 2nd
New Orleans: DeAndre Ayton and Jabari Walker
Utah Jazz: Brandon Ingram
Portland line up
Scoot Sharpe Grant Collins Clingan
Simons 6th man, with Thybulle, Avidija, Hendricks and RobWill.
That’s a good young side and competing for play in spot
New Orleans
Dejounte CJ Herb Zion Ayton
Jose Hawkins Trey Theis Missi
Solid competitive side with questionable depth
Utah Jazz
Keyonte Sexton Ingram Markeneen Kessler
Collier Clarkson Williams Filipowski Eubanks
Interesting young side
Be cool to see Utah invest something into being better now that you’ve paid Lauri. Ingram skill set complements well and is a similar age. Could see something really different line ups with this group