Damian Lillard’s Portland Trail Blazers want to re-sign Jerami Grant this summer, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
Grant becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason. He just finished his first season with Lillard and the Blazers.
“Lillard made notable waves this week when he told Showtime he views Brooklyn and Miami as viable destinations in the event he ever did request a trade,” Fischer wrote. “Rival front offices are certainly hoping Lillard plays the card he never has if Portland can’t find suitable upgrades to the Blazers’ roster by dangling the No. 3 pick in this month’s draft. Although both franchise and superstar appear to be prioritizing building a true playoff contender around Lillard, with ongoing plans to re-sign forward Jerami Grant as well, sources said.”
The Blazers won only 33 games this season. The team was 23-27 when Lillard and Grant were in the lineup. Lillard averaged 32.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 7.3 assists alongside Grant, while Grant put up 19.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game next to Lillard.
The 29-year-old Grant finished the 2022-23 season with averages of 20.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He shot 47.5% from the field, 40.1% from beyond the arc and 81.3% from the free-throw line.
Sources told NBA Analysis Network that the Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets are expected to pursue Grant in free agency this summer. The Blazers better be ready to pay Grant, who is not going to take a discount to stay in Portland.
Grant has played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Pistons and Blazers. He has career averages of 12.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists. If Lillard wants Grant back, the Blazers would be wise to re-sign Jerami, whose uncle — Horace Grant — won three championships with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in the ’90s on the Chicago Bulls.
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