Trail Blazers should accept that Jerami Grant isn't part of their rebuild efforts

Jerami Grant has four years left on his five-year, $160M contract. He has been with the Portland Trail Blazers for the past two seasons. 

Grant is a reliable three-level scorer who is being wasted on the rebuilding Blazers. At 30-years-old, he doesn't project to be part of their long-term core.

The Los Angeles Lakers are rumored to be interested in bringing Grant to the Crypto.com Arena. He is the type of wing scorer who could thrive in an off-ball role next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. 

However, the Blazers have yet to field an offer they find reasonable for their star scorer.

“They’re stubborn,” a league executive told Heavy's Sean Deveney under the condition of anonymity. “Part of the job is to be stubborn, though. But part of the job is also seeing your mistakes and getting out of them. Grant was a mistake. Trading him now just to get out of that salary is the right thing to do, take whatever picks or young guys you can get.”

Grant's presence on Portland's roster is taking touches away from some of its developmental talent. He is still in his prime. Challenging for a championship is likely his long-term goal. He can't do that while being stuck in Portland. A move to the Lakers would allow him to compete at the highest level.

Lakers GM Rob Pelinka must find a way to entice the Blazers to the negotiating table. Grant would elevate Los Angeles' chances of success next season. He is a proven commodity in the Western Conference, averaging 20.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists on 40.2% shooting from three-point range in two seasons. 

Portland would likely receive assets that fit its rebuilding program and position it to be more flexible in the future. 

A deal makes sense for both teams. Most importantly, it would allow Grant to play at a higher level and compete for championships. Now would be the perfect time for the Blazers to move on from the veteran forward, assuming Pelinka offers a fair compensation package.