The Portland Trail Blazers are locked in on a new deal worth more than $120 million with forward Jerami Grant, according to NBA insider Matt Moore.
Grant becomes an unrestricted free agent on June 30. The 29-year-old swingman finished the 2022-23 season with averages of 20.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He shot 47.5% from the field, 40.1% from beyond the arc and 81.3% from the free-throw line.
Grant has played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons and Blazers. He has career averages of 12.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Superstar point guard Damian Lillard, should he stay with the Blazers, wants to continue playing with Grant, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
“Lillard made notable waves this week when he told Showtime he views Brooklyn and Miami as viable destinations in the event he ever did request a trade,” Fischer wrote. “Rival front offices are certainly hoping Lillard plays the card he never has if Portland can’t find suitable upgrades to the Blazers’ roster by dangling the No. 3 pick in this month’s draft. Although both franchise and superstar appear to be prioritizing building a true playoff contender around Lillard, with ongoing plans to re-sign forward Jerami Grant as well, sources said.”
The Blazers won only 33 games this past season. The team was 23-27 when Lillard and Grant were in the lineup. Lillard averaged 32.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 7.3 assists alongside Grant, while Grant put up 19.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game next to Lillard.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Sources told NBA Analysis Network that the Pistons, Phoenix Suns (before the Bradley Beal trade) and Houston Rockets were expected to pursue Grant in free agency this summer. However, it appears the Blazers are going to make sure that Grant doesn’t go anywhere.
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