With an apparent traction on a Jerami Grant trade, there’s a real chance the veteran forward will have to settle for a second-unit role with the Trail Blazers, Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report writes in his latest mailbag (subscription required). Grant would be one of the most expensive reserves in the league — he’s entering the third season of a five-year, $160MM contract that includes a player option.
Highkin notes it would be tough to justify having Deni Avdija or Toumani Camara come off the bench, considering they were the team’s best players last season. Grant’s best option would be to rebuild his value after a subpar season and make it easier for the Blazers to trade him to a team that may want him as a starter.
Here’s more on the Trail Blazers:
- Jody Allen is running the team, though technically she’s not the owner, Bruce Schoenfeld of Sportico writes in an in-depth feature. She is the executor of Paul Allen’s estate and the sole trustee of his assets and is required by the terms of her brother’s will to eventually sell the team. While the Blazers announced in May that the franchise is for sale, Jody Allen doesn’t appear to be in any hurry to do so or to find out exactly how much the franchise is currently worth. Keeping the team in Portland is assumed to be a condition when the team is sold.
- The lease on the Moda Center expires in 2030 and Highkin speculates that the future ownership group will pressure the state for money to build a new arena. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said recently that “One of the factors there is that the city of Portland likely needs a new arena, so that will be part of the challenge for any new ownership group coming in.” Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson issued a joint open letter to Silver, suggesting instead that major renovations to Moda Center would suffice.
- In case you missed it, Damian Lillard will be the GM for Weber State’s men’s basketball program. Get the details here.
Grant would be good for the Heat over Wiggins.
He’s bigger and stronger, he also is a better shooter and would suit being a 4th/5th option better whereas Wiggins would want more touches.
As for the Blazers his deal is shorter and he would suit the sixth man role better in my opinion.
Herro Powell Grant Bam Ware would be nice and in a smaller line ups swap Highmsith/Mitchell in for Ware.
If not Heat, the Wizards CJ for Grant and a pick or something. Grant and Coulibaly as the forwards. Opens up more playing time for Kispert and Johnson, plus you have Middleton there aswell.
But Grant makes them a better side.
Even the Suns could try make an offer with Grayson Allen and maybe Royce or something. Brooks and Grant would make a nice forward combo with defence and occasional scoring ability.
I can see this assuming Grant plays better than Wiggins out the gate.
I said weeks ago Portland offers Grant, Holliday and Clingan to Washington for Middleton, McCollum and Vukcevic with picks
Helps both teams with fit and completing both teams rebuild. Washington would have to trade Grant and Holiday eventually.
That would be hilarious to see Dame and CJ back in Portland.
Sign a veteran old C and with Lillard, Middleton, McCollum and that veteran C then they would be in good shape clearing the jam at C (Yang and Clingan) and clearing cap space in the future, giving them good veterans that can heal with lillard and a PF prospect. It gives Washington the C of the future they need with Sarr moving to the PF spot. Washington then flips Grant and Holiday. Both teams then compete instead of rebuilding
Grant’s shot was so bad last year, but he was pretty much the same guy he usually was, otherwise. I think he is post Dec 15 trade fodder, as most of this Blazers roster that is over 25 will be.
Offer Grant and Holiday with something to Charlotte for Miles Bridges, Josh Green, Grant Williams and Saloun. Waiving Bridges and Josh Green the end of the season
Or offer Grant, Holiday and Clingan to Washington for Middleton, McCollum and Vukcevic
Sign recently waived Martin
Team is going to sell for more money than most people can fathom but they’ll probably still shakedown taxpayers to build them a stadium