Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant just recorded a season-high 35 points to go along with four rebounds and four assists in Portland's convincing 115-103 road win over the Milwaukee Bucks. He's back to playing more efficient basketball, shooting 8-of-18 from the field, 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, and 16-of-19 from the charity stripe in this contest. That's an incredibly promising sign for the Blazers, considering Grant was viewed as one of the biggest negative assets heading into the 2025-26 season.
By his own admission, Grant is coming off a down season in which he averaged 14.4 points on 37/37/85 shooting splits. He didn't expect to come off the bench this season, but the Blazers ultimately decided it was in their best interest for him to do so with Grant and Shaedon Sharpe trending in opposite directions. However, Portland's win over Milwaukee just further confirmed what Blazers fans already knew: Grant is having a bounce-back season.
Jerami Grant's bounce-back is perfect timing for Portland
He's embraced the sixth man role, averaging 18.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists on much more efficient shooting splits of 47/42/85. He started in this contest with the Blazers shorthanded yet again, missing two starters between Sharpe and Jrue Holiday. Grant stepped up for Portland, providing them with the high-level scoring he's brought off the bench all season.
He's making a strong case to earn back a starting spot, but the Blazers may need him to stay in this sixth-man role, where he's been incredibly effective given the injuries and limited scoring options off the bench. Regardless of the role, Grant is still averaging 28.4 minutes per game and even closing out games in situations where interim head coach Tiago Splitter elects to play small.
Could the Blazers finally shed Jerami Grant's contract?
Portland will eventually have to sort out its starting five, with seven capable starters once Scoot Henderson returns. However, the more significant question surrounding Grant is whether or not now is an opportunity to trade him.
Their problems may have gone away with his drastically improved play, but Portland still owes him $102.6 million over the next three seasons (including a player option in 2027-28). With the Blazers still years away from being genuine contenders and having to pay Holiday north of $100 million over the next three seasons as well, it could make sense to explore trade offers for Grant now that his stock is finally rising.
Was this scoring outburst in Milwaukee an audition? The Bucks, looking to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo content, could even be a team desperate enough to overlook Grant's contract in pursuit of a win-now upgrade.
Ultimately, it depends on what the Blazers could get in return for Grant. But thanks to his strong start to the season, they may finally have options.
That has to be a refreshing situation for a front office that was criticized for not only the $160 million contract but also for holding onto the veteran forward for far too long.