The Los Angeles Lakers have long been linked to Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant. The 30-year-old forward fits their need for size, shooting, and versatility. Recent reports from Evan Sidery of Forbes suggest Portland has lowered their asking price for Jerami Grant, but complications remain for the Lakers.
Lakers Get Mixed News Concerning Asking Price About Jerami Grant
Grant’s Availability Gains Attention
Grant is one of Portland’s most valuable trade assets. The team has underperformed, sitting 13th in the Western Conference. Despite possessing talented players, Portland has struggled to muster wins.
Grant, a versatile forward with length, remains a hot commodity for contenders. Teams like the Lakers and Bucks value his two-way abilities. However, Grant has struggled statistically this season. He’s averaging his lowest marks in points and assists since his 2019-20 season with Denver.
Due to this decline, the Trail Blazers reportedly lowered their trade demands. Initially asking for multiple first-round picks, they now seek one first-round pick and a young player.
Jerami Grant’s Contract and Suitors in the Lakers, Bucks
Grant’s contract, worth over $30 million annually through 2027-28, is no longer considered unreasonable. It is around the market value for two-way wings in the league.
Portland’s lowered price has attracted more interest. Yet, the demand for a promising young player complicates negotiations, particularly for the Lakers. The Lakers lack a deep pool of appealing young players. Most of their valuable trade assets are veterans or role players.
Dalton Knecht: The Blazers’ Ideal Target?
Dalton Knecht, the Lakers’ standout rookie, could be the young player Portland desires. The 23-year-old has impressed in his first season, showcasing sharpshooting and scoring versatility. Knecht averages 10.6 points per game while shooting 37.6% on 5.1 three-point attempts. His ability to take over games during hot streaks has drawn comparisons to elite shooters.
Only Grant himself has better three-point efficiency for Portland, shooting 38.4% on 6.6 attempts per game. Knecht’s skill set makes him an ideal fit for the Blazers’ rebuilding plans.
However, the Lakers face a tough decision. Trading Knecht would hurt their long-term outlook, especially given his value as a shooter. Lakers head coach JJ Redick recently called him a “top 1% shooter”.
Challenges With Other Assets
Jalen Hood-Schifino, another Lakers prospect, could theoretically interest Portland. However, the Lakers declined his team option, signaling diminished value in their own eyes. This leaves Knecht as the most attractive young player in a potential trade. The Lakers may need to weigh whether giving up Knecht is worth acquiring Grant.
The Waiting Game
For now, the Lakers might hold off until closer to the trade deadline. Portland has not shown urgency to move Grant, and his underwhelming season could further reduce their leverage. Grant’s motivation has been cited as a possible reason for his down year. He plays for a team unlikely to make the playoffs. A move to a contender like the Lakers could reignite his production.
The Lakers must balance short-term goals with long-term potential. Knecht’s value as a sharpshooter makes him difficult to part with, even for a player of Grant’s caliber.
The Asking Price for Jerami Grant May Be A Little Too Rich for Lakers Blood
The Lakers have received mixed news about their pursuit of Grant. Portland’s lowered asking price makes a deal more feasible, but potentially sacrificing Knecht could complicate matters. As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers must decide whether to pull the trigger or hold firm. Grant’s availability adds intrigue to an already tense trade market.
