Blazers expected to again explore Jerami Grant trade market

The Trail Blazers are once again expected to explore trade possibilities involving veteran forward Jerami Grant as they continue to build around their younger core.

According to Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports, Grant remains one of the more intriguing names to monitor entering the NBA Draft and free agency period, with several teams expected to gauge his availability.

Grant, 32, is entering the final two seasons of the five-year contract he signed with Portland in 2023. While the deal was once viewed as difficult to move, the remaining money has become more manageable, potentially increasing interest from rival teams seeking a proven scorer and versatile forward.

Despite a disappointing postseason and some questions surrounding his long-term fit in Portland, Grant remains a productive player. He averaged 18.6 points this past season and continues to offer the type of size, defensive versatility and perimeter shooting that many contenders value.

League observers have long viewed Grant as a potential trade candidate as the Blazers focus on developing their younger players and accumulating future assets. Portland has made it clear it remains committed to its rebuild, and moving a veteran such as Grant could help accelerate that process.

The challenge, of course, will be finding a trade partner willing to absorb the remaining salary while also providing Portland with the type of return it seeks.

Still, executives around the NBA generally believe Grant’s market should be stronger than it was a year ago. With only two seasons left on his contract, teams may be more willing to view him as a short-term addition rather than a long-term financial commitment.