There doesn’t seem to be any traction on a Jerami Grant trade, so it appears the veteran forward will likely 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 year 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, though eventually she is required by the terms of her brother’s will to sell the team. Jody Allen doesn’t appear in the be in any hurry to do so or find out exactly how much the franchise is current 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.
- ICYMI, 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.