Portland is expected to shop Jerami Grant in trade talks
Jerami Grant's days with the Portland Trail Blazers could be numbered. The Western Conference team's transition into a rebuilding roster took a giant step forward on Sept. 27.
Grant, 29, doesn't fit Portland's new timeline. However, the veteran forward won't become trade-eligible until Jan. 15.
According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, multiple sources around the NBA are expecting Grant to become available ahead of the February trade deadline.
“Jerami Grant, who becomes trade-eligible on January 15, is expected to become available before the trade deadline, according to rival league NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype following the Lillard trade,” Scotto wrote.
Grant could land Portland some additional assets. With the future firmly on the agenda, Portland will likely look for expiring contracts, young players, and draft picks. There will be a handful of teams capable of producing an enticing package.
For the past three seasons, Grant has been a 20-point per-game threat. The veteran wing will be viewed as an ideal secondary or tertiary offensive option. However, Grant's five-year $160M deal could be a stumbling block. The contract will see him earn an average salary of $32 million until 2028. For a player who would be a third-star on most contending teams, that's an incredibly high price.
Still, the NBA is a seller's market. There will always be a team willing to pay a premium for a shot at hanging a championship banner. Grant has proven he can score at an elite level and gives maximum effort on the defensive end. Portland will continue to reshape their roster in the coming months as they look to position themselves as an up-and-coming young team.
If one thing is for certain, it's the ripple effect of Lillard's trade will be felt around the NBA for months to come.
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