In the wake of Damian Lillard’s trade request, one NBA writer has urged the Portland Trail Blazers to trade Jerami Grant as soon as he’s eligible to be moved.
The Blazers signed Grant to a massive five-year, $160 million contract this summer. Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report thinks Portland paid way too much for the forward.
“In three years, Grant will be 32 and will still have two seasons and $70 million remaining on his contract, including a $36.4 million player option in 2027-28,” Swartz wrote. “He’s essentially being paid like a No. 1 or No. 2 option, yet he’s probably the fourth-best player on a championship-caliber team. According to ProFitX.com, Grant’s real-time contract this past season was valued at $19 million.
“Portland has to hope that Grant gets off to a strong start to the 2023-24 seasons, eating up more shot opportunities following a Damian Lillard trade. The Blazers should try to move off his contract as soon as possible, even if the ink is still drying.”
Grant 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.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The 29-year-old 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.
The Blazers can trade Grant after January 15. Assuming they trade Lillard, there would be no point for Grant to be in Portland. The franchise should be focused on building around Scoot Henderson and getting off of Grant’s huge contract once Lillard is gone.
Lillard wants to get traded to the Miami Heat. However, since he doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, Lillard can’t force his way to Miami.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists last season while shooting 46.3% from the floor, 37.1% from 3 and 91.4% from the free-throw line. The seven-time All-Star and future Hall of Famer was upset the Blazers didn’t trade the third overall pick in the 2023 draft for a star player.
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