Portland Trail Blazers decision makers are going to be put to the test in the coming weeks as they look to navigate the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Portland is in a unique spot in its rebuild, as you could make a case for them to either buy or sell at the deadline. With Deni Avdija's All-Star play and their 9th-place standing in the Western Conference, we lean towards the former.
But could Portland somehow accomplish both?
Even if the Blazers potentially accelerate their rebuild, Jerami Grant's contract still makes him a questionable fit. Grant is on the books through the 2027-28 season, when he has a massive $36.4 million player option. That presents a potential roadblock for Portland as it looks to continue adding to its promising young core in the coming seasons. It's even more complicated since they recently added another overpaid veteran, Jrue Holiday, into the equation.
Blazers face a difficult Jerami Grant decision at the deadline
Prior to being sidelined with left Achilles tendonitis, Grant was in the midst of a bounce-back season, averaging 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists on 44/39/87 shooting splits. He's now even receiving interest from teams like the Milwaukee Bucks at the deadline, which is a promising development for Portland.
The Blazers are looking to return to the postseason, and Grant's improved play would certainly help them achieve that short-term goal. But at the same time, this is a prime opportunity for them to dump what should still be considered a negative asset.
Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes recently suggested that the Blazers should trade Grant at the deadline.
"Portland should be aggressive in shopping for Grant, if only for financial reasons. Shaedon Sharpe's extension kicks in next year, and Scoot Henderson will be eligible to sign his own new deal this summer. Portland should be aggressive in shopping for Grant, if only for financial reasons. Shaedon Sharpe's extension kicks in next year, and Scoot Henderson will be eligible to sign his own new deal this summer. Deni Avdija's laughably below-market salary offers breathing room, but Portland can add even more flexibility by turning Grant into someone on a shorter deal."
If the Blazers ultimately send Grant to Milwaukee, they could talk themselves into taking on Kyle Kuzma in return. He's a downgrade from a production standpoint, but he's also on the shorter-term deal Hughes mentions. Kuzma is owed $22.4 million this season and $20.3 million in 2026-27, which would give the Blazers the financial flexibility to add a more long-term piece should the opportunity present itself. Or at the very least, it helps extend Avdija.
Whether they actually want to trade Grant is another variable to consider. General manager Joe Cronin has always valued Grant highly, and that's unlikely to have changed with the way he's played this season.
Portland's roster makes this situation complicated, especially if they actually look to upgrade it in the coming weeks. Trading Grant would be taking a step in the other direction, potentially contradicting any move. Ultimately, they have to determine whether or not that financial flexibility is worth the roster downgrade, which is a tricky question that's above our pay grade.