With the NBA season slowly coming to an end, all but four remaining teams have turned their focus to the offseason. The NBA Draft is less than a month away, followed immediately by free agency. With big-name superstars on the trade block and contenders like the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers expected to make big moves, it will surely be a hectic offseason in the league.
While the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, Zion Williamson, and Devin Booker get most of the attention in trade speculations, there are plenty of quality role players expected to be available on the open market. One of those is former Pistons forward Jerami Grant.
Jerami Grant is Firmly on the Chopping Block This Offseason
Grant has been one of the longest-tenured trade block members in the NBA. Ever since he joined the Pistons in the 2020 offseason, he has consistently been in trade speculation. Even though he was eventually moved to the Blazers in the summer of 2022, the trade rumors didn't die down. Since Portland has been in rebuilding mode since Damian Lillard left, many have been expecting Grant to be traded as well.
The 31-year-old hasn't done himself any wonders with his play over the last season. He finished the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 14.4 points on a miserable 52.3% True Shooting. He is not getting to the rim enough, rarely gets to the free-throw line, and is not the defensive force he once was.
The Blazers would therefore love to move on from him, but his contract complicates matters. He makes $32 million next season, $34.2 million the season after, and has a player option for $36.4 million for the 2027-28 season.
It looks like Portland has made the same mistake with Grant that the Pistons made a few years ago. By holding onto him for too long, they allowed the veteran forward to lose his trade value. Just like Detroit, the Blazers will almost certainly receive far less in return for Grant than they could have a year ago.
Grant could perhaps rediscover his finishing touch and motivation to play with more intensity and effort on a good team. Whether a good team would take that chance on him, however, remains to be seen.