Jerami Grant admitted at media day that he didn't expect to return to the Portland Trail Blazers this season. It was clear that Portland wanted to move on from their veteran forward, but Grant remains on the roster heading into the 2025-26 season. The Blazers weren't able to find a trade partner without sacrificing additional pieces, as Grant has quickly become a negative asset.
Los Angeles Clippers beat writer Law Murray recently discussed this situation surrounding Portland being stuck with Grant on The Athletic NBA Daily podcast.
"They were able to get off [Deandre] Ayton, they were able to get off [Anfernee Simons]. I bet you they would have loved to have found a solution and found a new home for Jerami Grant. That dude's contract is arguably the worst in basketball right now," Murray said.
Portland has a massive Jerami Grant problem
The Blazers signed Grant for a head-scratching five-year, $160 million deal in 2023. They still owe him $102.6 million over the next three years, accounting for a player option in 2027-28. That deal has aged horribly as Grant's production has declined. Last season, he averaged 14.4 points while shooting an inefffient 37.3% from the field. That's even more problematic considering his one-dimensionality as a score-first player who doesn't provide much in other aspects, such as rebounding (3.5 per game) or playmaking (2.1 assists per game).
Portland strategically dumped veterans Anfernee Simons and Deandre Ayton this summer to clear the path for their up-and-coming core. As Murray notes, they ideally would have done the same for Grant. However, it was much more challenging to get out of his contract with three years left compared to Simons and Ayton, who are both on expiring deals.
General manager Joe Cronin has emphasized a long-term approach with Portland's roster, meaning they don't want to sacrifice future assets in a package to get off Grant. In other words, the Blazers are stuck with him.
Now, they are facing a pick-your-poison scenario for this upcoming season. Either pay Grant $32 million to come off the bench, or have him take away a starting spot from someone more essential in their rebuild.
The newfound strength of Portland's roster lies in the versatility of its wings, Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara. That gives Chauncey Billups an advantage in terms of the flexibility he has with his rotations. The downside of that is that Grant, a forward, can take away a starting spot from a promising young guard such as a Shaedon Sharpe or Scoot Henderson (when he returns from injury).
Despite his down season, Grant said at media day that he still doesn't expect to come off the bench. However, Billups mentioned that the starting spots will depend on who earns them at training camp.
Regardless of who ultimately starts, it's clear that the Blazers are stuck with Grant. One way or another -- whether it's in terms of development or financial flexibility -- Grant will be a massive roadblock to that long-term approach Cronin has been taking.