Despite his name being among the popular NBA trade candidates this offseason, Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant reportedly wants to stay with the team. According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, Grant enjoys the stability and security in Portland.
“Few players want to face the general uncertainty of moving midseason, especially those who have enjoyed newfound stability for the first time in their careers. That has been the same word about Portland forward Jerami Grant, sources said, despite rival teams’ interest in the veteran Trail Blazer.”
Recently, reports indicated the Trail Blazers were expected to move on from Grant or guard Anfernee Simons. According to Trail Blazers reporter Aaron Fentress, the “goal” for Portland is to move on from one of the two. Additionally, he said he “would be surprised” if a trade does not happen by the start of next season.
“I would be surprised if Jerami (Grant) or Anfernee Simons, that one of the two is not moved. I was told that that’s definitely the goal, that one of the two would probably be gone before training camp. Both being gone might be different. They obviously have time. They can wait until the trade deadline and see if someone else will offer more.”
The 30-year-old has spent the last two seasons of his NBA career with Portland. In that time, he has averaged 20.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. Currently, Grant has four years remaining on his five-year, $160 million contract. This also includes a $36.4 million player option for the 2027-28 season.
Portland Trail Blazers Veteran Reportedly Not Seeking Trade
Los Angeles Lakers Nearly Acquired Jerami Grant
In July, podcast host Danny Marang reported that the Los Angeles Lakers had a deal in place to acquire Grant. However, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka “balked,” forcing the trade to fall through.
“As I understand it, Klutch was hoping to help facilitate a deal there and they got the Lakers to say, yeah they’d be willing to trade two ones for Jerami and then when it came time to do it, Pelinka balked.”
The Lakers’ interest in Grant currently remains unknown. Grant could provide a boost to the Lakers roster and help them remain in the playoff picture. However, choosing to not take on the forward’s large contract could be the right call for the team.
Jerami Grant “Doesn’t Want to Waste His 30s,” Per Fentress
Last month, Fentress noted that Grant may want a trade as he does not want to waste the next few years of his career on a rebuilding team (YouTube link).
“But as cool a guy as Grant is, Grant doesn’t want to waste his 30s, what years he has left, on a team that’s actively tanking again and might even tank again the next year. He wants to go somewhere where he can win, so both of them will be, I predict both of them will be gone by next summer.”
The recent reports regarding Grant contradict what Fentress said. Regardless, Grant’s status for the rest of the summer is worth monitoring. While it seems he will remain in Portland, Grant could still find himself on another team within the next few months.
