When an NBA team offers a player a lucrative extension, they don’t take that decision lightly. They ask themselves a series of questions. Firstly, they ask themselves if the player is worth that money in a vacuum. Next, they ask themselves if they’re worth that money in light of their current circumstances.
With that in mind, the Portland Trail Blazers may regret signing Jerami Grant this summer. We’re not saying he’s not worth the money. Grant is a good player.
Unfortunately, he was signed to offer Damian Lillard support. Now, Lillard is demanding a trade. Therefore, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Blazers trade Grant at this year’s deadline when he’s eligible to be moved. Could they send him to the Memphis Grizzlies?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G/F Luke Kennard, F/C Brandon Clarke, G/F Ziare Williams, 2025 First-Round Pick (MEM)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: F Jerami Grant
On the other hand, sometimes, it’s best to retain a player. Otherwise, you may never get value for them. After all, if a team is interested in a player, they’ll be more inclined to trade for him if he’s locked up. A player on an expiring contract is a flight risk.
Just look at the Memphis Grizzlies. This team had Dillon Brooks. This summer, they decided not to pay him. Fair enough. Brooks is an elite defender, but his shot selection was downright awful in 2022-23.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Memphis Grizzlies & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Now, he’s a Houston Rocket. The Grizzlies may not miss him – yet. With that said, if he can improve his shot profile under Ime Udoka, the Grizzlies may watch a quality player thrive in a new environment. Should the Blazers risk the same with Grant?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
Well, the circumstances are entirely different. The Grizzlies are still title contenders. If the Blazers trade Lillard, they won’t be. In all likelihood, they’ll be undergoing a lengthy rebuilding process. Having Grant around makes that process more complicated.
For starters, Portland will want to maximize their lottery odds. Grant is a veteran, win-now player. He doesn’t help with that cause. Moreover, he’ll take reps away from Portland’s younger players.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Memphis Grizzlies & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
So, getting him off the roster will be the goal this season. Here, the Blazers get a solid return. They’re receiving a young player with a lot of potential in Williams and an unprotected first-round pick. Should Memphis give that much up for Grant?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
Remember Dillon Brooks? He’s key to the logic at play here. After all, Memphis needs to replace him. Sure, they did so already to an extent. Marcus Smart will be the defensive tone-setter that Brooks was for Memphis last season.
Still, this team’s wing rotation is suddenly light. Grant is not the defender that Brooks is, although he’s solid in his own right. He’s also a generally better player.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Memphis Grizzlies & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Specifically, Grant can create shots for himself and his teammates. Here, the Grizzlies are hoping to add the missing piece that makes them serious title contenders. They simply have to pay him.
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