The Portland Trail Blazers roster has almost completely transformed in the three years since trading for Jerami Grant. Though Damian Lillard has returned, Shaedon Sharpe is the only other player still on the team that entered the 2022-23 season.
During the 2023 offseason, the Blazers penned Grant to a five year, $160 million deal to remain in the city of his birth. The size and length of the contract were and still are criticized, particularly given Lillard’s initial departure that same offseason.
While the annual salary was inarguably large, it was the deal’s five-year duration that many bristled at. At the time, my feeling was that if the agreement was closer to four years and $120 million, it probably would have been a lot easier for the Blazers watching world to stomach.
During the Blazers’ first non-Lillard season, Grant and Anfernee Simons carried the offensive load. Grant was also responsible for key defensive assignments, given the overwhelming inexperience on the roster. The former Syracuse star was central in ensuring the team wasn’t a complete basket case as the franchise battled through a rebuild.
By the end of the season, Grant had put up averages of 21.0 points on 45.1 percent from the field, 40.2 percent from three, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists. 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks. Despite his relatively low rebound count, Grant was very much playing to his contract, producing at an efficient rate.
During the 2024 offseason, there were calls for the Blazers to sell high on Grant in order to yield optimum assets for a player that likely didn’t fit with the roster’s youth movement. The rumors went as far as to suggest the Blazers were seeking two first round picks from the Los Angeles Lakers for his services.
In hindsight, just one good first should have been enough for General Manager Joe Cronin, considering Grant’s eventual downturn in productivity in 2024-25. He averaged 14.4 points on 37.3 percent from the field, 36.5 percent from three, 3.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.0 blocks.
His field goal percentage was the biggest concern for a player who previously hadn’t gone below 40 percent since his rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2014-15. While Grant maintained an above-average level of defense and passable three-point shooting, he couldn’t score within the arc.
There might not be one specific reason for the downturn in two-point scoring but many suggestions have been offered. Grant’s age, cumulative injuries, the yips or a different style of team play, inspired by a talented young batch of teammates.
Whether all, none or a selection are the reason, remains to be seen. But as I mentioned a few months ago, one season is just that, one season. While Grant’s play could deteriorate further, there’s just as much chance he returns to his 2023-24 form.
It’s a gamble worth taking considering that while his deal is prohibitive, Grant the player still fits with what this franchise is trying to do. He’s still one of the more versatile defenders in the league, able to guard positions one through five. He might also be one of the few Blazers who can hit from beyond the arc, a skill they are severely lacking in right now.
Does He Remain a Blazer?
Following the signing of Blake Wesley to the team’s 15th roster spot earlier this week, it looks like the Blazers are done dealing. Short of not guaranteeing Duop Reath next week, a stunning trade would have to materialize out of nowhere for the current roster to change.
While I doubt any real connection, some have suggested the return of Damian Lillard might portend Grant’s continued stay in Portland. I don’t think there is any real link there but with Jrue Holiday also on board, the Blazers have definitely embraced experience. They appear to be done with the lottery with sights now set on games played in late April.
I’d advise against moving Grant just for the sake of moving Grant. The franchise would be committing malpractice by relinquishing Grant for a bad return, or worse, attaching real assets to be done with him. Given the player he could still be, it would be inappropriate for them to act brashly just to get him off the roster. I’d much rather them go into the season with Grant, rehabilitate his worth, before trading him with less time on his deal.
But in order for Grant to boost his trade value, he needs to play and, as such, may need to retain his starting role.
Starting Unit
For me, Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan should be locked in as starters next season. The fight for the fifth spot might well have already been decided.
But if it hasn’t, there are two clear candidates. The first is Grant who would slot in at power forward, pushing Avdija to the three and Camara to the two. The second is Shaedon Sharpe who would start at shooting guard, pushing Camara to the three and Avdija to the four.
I wrote two weeks ago that while Sharpe has the ability to be a genuine offensive star in this league, he’s yet to prove he can do it consistently. I’m not one for giving starting roles to players who haven’t proved they deserve it.
While Sharpe is an intriguing talent looking to prove his worth before restricted free agency next summer, Grant is the obvious choice. As mentioned, no one is denying Grant’s slump, but he does have a track record with effectiveness on both sides of the ball.
The lineup with Grant is long, athletic and flexible defensively. If he returns to form, Grant may also help revive his trade stock, enticing a team looking for his two-way skillet at February’s NBA Trade Deadline.
Conclusion
Jerami Grant appears set to remain a Blazer for at least the start of the 2025-26 season. The franchise probably should have traded him 12 months ago but moving him now for the lowest possible return seems unhinged.
If the Blazers do go into the season with Grant, he will start. Not because of some illogical status based on seniority but because when he’s on his game, he’s at the very least, the fifth best player on this roster.
Regardless of what some may think, Grant’s size and versatility also lends to this roster’s defensive identity. While I still believe Grant will be moved before the end of his current deal, I’d much rather that move occur when the Blazers can bring back the best haul.
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