Jerami Grant is 30 and still in his prime, but he’s the oldest player on the rebuilding Portland Trail Blazers roster. Since he doesn’t fit the schedule of a team that’s coming off a 21-win season, it makes sense for Portland to consider trading one of its best players, but it has to be the right deal.
The Blazers and general manager Joe Cronin have no reason to rush into a trade just for the sake of moving Grant. While his contract is uncertain, Portland is already under the luxury tax after moving Malcolm Brogdon. Grant also isn’t taking a starting spot away from a promising player who should be considered a sure thing at this point in his career (even though Toumani Camara had an impressive rookie year).
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley recently suggested Trade deals to sell NBA’s worst contractswith Bradley Beal, Zach LaVine, Jordan Poole and Grant. The Blazers forward, who has four years and $132.4 million left on his contract, was mentioned in a mock trade involving the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers are in “win now” mode with a 39-year-old LeBron James and desperately need to add a third star to play alongside him and Anthony Davis. But are they giving the Blazers enough in this fake deal to make it worth it for Portland?
