One NBA writer suggested that the Memphis Grizzlies acquire Jerami Grant from the Portland Trail Blazers this summer.
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Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report presented the following trade possibility between the Grizzlies and the Blazers:
The Portland Trail Blazers trade Jerami Grant to the Memphis Grizzlies for Luke Kennard, Brandon Clarke, and a lightly protected future first-round pick.
Grant played in 54 games for the Blazers this season. He averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, shooting 45.1% from the field, 40.2% from beyond the arc, and 81.7% from the free throw line.
The Blazers finished 21-61 in 2023-24, while the Grizzlies went 27-55.
“Portland has more than a few useful veterans to flip for long-term assets, and Grant sits at the top of that list,” Buckley said in his NBA trade post. “Sure, he’s overvalued and overrated as a first-round pick, but as a possible finishing piece for a team like Memphis, he may still be valuable.
“Even if the Grizzlies didn’t intend to keep one (or both) of Kennard and Clarke, they’d be wise to secure a lightly protected future first and get Grant’s contract off their books.” While some may advocate for a trade including Anfernee Simons, given the overlap between him, Scoot Henderson, and Shaedon Sharpe, Simons’ value should not be at risk of dropping anytime soon, thus Portland might postpone that deal until it is clearer what it needs to eventually start winning again.”
Grant will earn $29.8 million next season. The 30-year-old has career averages of 13.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists for the Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, and Portland Trail Blazers.
The Grizzlies are anticipated to return to the postseason next year because Ja Morant will be healthy. Morant appeared in just nine games this season due to a suspension and a shoulder injury.
If the Grizzlies’ front staff acquires Grant from the Blazers, Memphis would have a “Big 4” consisting of Morant, Grant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane.
