When the Grizzlies traded Ja Morant after last season, the conversation was overwhelmingly about the end of Morant's time in Memphis.
But the deal also brought Jerami Grant and Kris Murray from the Trail Blazers to the Grizzlies. And Grant figures to play a significant role during the 2026-27 season.
"Jerami is as close to a plug-and-play player as this league gets," Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said at media day on Sept. 28. "Can play anywhere between probably two and four offensively. Great playing without the ball, but also he gets to the free throw line, he knocks down open shots. Very good in closeout situations, transition scorer, can use wide pin-downs."
Grant spent the last four seasons in Portland and averaged 18.6 points per game a year
ago. He'll slot into what looks like a crowded Grizzlies wing rotation, but he said he feels like his versatility will serve him well in Iisalo's system.
"The game of basketball has kind of become position-less," Grant said. "So I think it definitely benefits my game, being able to be versatile, play multiple positions. For me it doesn't matter. Just whatever my team needs from me to win is what I'm trying to do."
He's a veteran on a team that feels like it's resetting after Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. were traded earlier this year. There's a new Grizzlies core that includes Cam Boozer, Zach Edey and Cedric Coward plus veterans like Grant and Isaiah Stewart.
Grant said he's willing to do whatever is asked of him in Memphis.
"The biggest thing is the culture, figuring out what you want your identity to be and kind of just hitting that nail on the head," Grant said. "Whatever it's going to be, I think it's 'Grit and Grind.' Obviously with bringing Isaiah here and things of that nature, I think we're shaping that now."
Grant also said he's been impressed with what he's seen from Boozer so far.
"He's really good," Grant said. "He's really talented. He knows how to play the game. Very smart player. So definitely looking forward to seeing him in the NBA game and figuring out how we can make him look good."
Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: What Jerami Grant said about joining Grizzlies, working with Cam Boozer
