Why Trading For Grant Does Not Make Sense For The Trail Blazers
With Portland being in “tanking” mode right now near the end of the season, they have learned a lot about the secondary player on their roster.
Trendon Watford has emerged as a key frontcourt option for the team to keep moving into next season and while they have signed him to a second 10-day contract, Drew Eubanks has really proven himself as a force for this team at the center position.
Perhaps the biggest thing Portland has learned about their roster over the last month or so though is the fact that Josh Hart can be a key secondary option for them next to Damian Lillard.
Since joining the Trail Blazers, Josh Hart has played in a total of 13 games averaging 19.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.2 steals and shooting 50.3% from the floor, 37.3% from three-point range.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Pistons-Blazers Trade Features Jerami Grant
Not to mention, Hart also dropped 44 points for the Portland Trail Blazers in a game against the Wizards recently, marking the most points scored by a Blazers player this season.
Being able to play anywhere on the court and being a factor on both ends of the floor, Josh Hart plays a very similar role to that of Jerami Grant already.
His contract is non-guaranteed for the 2022-23 season and then Hart has a player option for the 2023-24 season, giving Portland an advantage in terms of how they can control his contract moving forward.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Pistons-Blazers Trade Features Jerami Grant
By trading for Jerami Grant, the Trail Blazers would have flexibility in terms of his contract given that Grant is entering the final year of his deal, but he is searching for a new three-year contract with whatever team possibly trades for him.
Jerami Grant is owed $20.9 million next season and will most likely look to receive another three-year deal worth upwards of $65 million to $70 million. Being almost the same kind of player as Josh Hart, the Portland Trail Blazers could just settle with Hart, who will cost them less money in the grand scheme of things.
The name value that comes with Jerami Grant is definitely appealing for the Portland Trail Blazers, but they really do not need him looking at the big picture.
