The Portland Trail Blazers are looking towards the future with a lot of young talent, so a potential Jerami Grant Blazers trade is making the rounds. Portland has set its solid asking price in the NBA trade market for their veteran forward.
The High Asking Price in a Jerami Grant Blazers Trade
Jerami Grant has been an outstanding player for the Trail Blazers over the past few seasons. Portland traded for him as the optimal talent to pair with Damian Lillard. Unfortunately, that did not work out, leading to Lillard asking out after years of loyalty. He ended up with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he plays with fellow superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Even though their time together was short, Dame helped Jerami earn a long-term contract with the Blazers. However, Grant does not fit into the Blazers’ long-term plans because they have committed to a rebuild after Lillard’s exit. This naturally sparked rumors for a Jerami Grant Blazers trade, and the Pacific Northwest team has set an asking price.
The Steep Price for a Grant Trade
At 30 years old, Grant is in the middle of his physical prime. He is a productive wing who could fit into any contending team. Furthermore, Jerami has played multiple roles throughout his career, including his go-to scorer role for Portland.
Additionally, Grant is also a reliable and well-rounded defender. He mostly thrives as an off-ball defender who can create havoc in the passing lanes and the weak side. Jerami can also take the role of being the point-of-attack defender against the opponent’s best player.
With his well-rounded skill set, the Trail Blazers are asking for a trade package that includes two first-round picks. It is a steep price, but that is how Portland values Grant. Since he still has multiple years in his contract, Portland might find it hard to pull off a Grant trade.
Jerami Grant is viewed as one of the top wings who could become available on the trade market.
The Trail Blazers are still holding a high asking price for Grant, which includes at least two first-round picks.
Grant has up to four years remaining on his contract with Portland. pic.twitter.com/fbvAKfYTtW
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) November 29, 2024
What Does The NBA Trade Market Look Like For Grant?
Compared to Portland’s tough market for Deandre Ayton, Grant is more appealing to the rest of the NBA. He is a 6-foot-8 forwadd who plays solid offense and is a reliable defender. Jerami might have some shortcomings with his rebounding, but having better teammates could help remedy that. The impact he could bring to a team could be game-changing. Here are some teams that could make the Grant trade.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Trail Blazers and Lakers discussed a Grant trade in the summer of 2024. L.A. is having an above-average season, but they need reinforcements to help LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Jerami could be the difference-maker, as he can contribute on offense and defense.
The trade will likely involve Rui Hachimura or D’Angelo Russell going the other way. However, the sticking point will always be the steep asking price. During the offseason, Portland GM Joe Cronin asked for the picks, but the Lakers were unwilling to give them up.
Grant is averaging 16.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game this season. He naturally fits into the Lakers’ system in the 3-and-D role. However, the price might be too steep to overcome.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are looking to enhance their frontcourt by adding reliable forwards. Going in a direction like a Jerami Grant Blazers trade could work out for Golden State. Although, Cameron Johnson is another popular name in the trade market for the Warriors.
This trade could lead to Jonathan Kuminga the other way to the Blazers. Moving to Portland could help Kuminga because he can play freely, while Grant will be with more veterans. It could be a significant addition, but it might not be the game-changer that Golden State needs. Stephen Curry is getting older, so they have to maximize his timeline.
Milwaukee Bucks
A reunion with Lillard could be in the works if Milwaukee is no longer confident in Khris Middleton, and his ability to stay healthy.
Grant naturally fits with the Bucks because of his advanced offensive ability. He is also a reliable and athletic defender, which could be a game-changer. He already has established chemistry with Lillard, but could also play more off-the-ball to fit with Antetokounmpo.
The Blazers Want to Move Forward With a Grant Trade
The Portland Trail Blazers’ future is bright with their young core. They must pull off a Grant trade because he is too old for the long-term plan. Jerami has established himself with the franchise and the city of Portland. Unfortunately, the project will move forward without him in the books.
Portland is building around players such as Shaedon Sharpe, Donovan Clingan, Toumani Camara, and Scoot Henderson. They will need more spots to open up, so they can fully develop and realize their potential.
