Jerami Grant is 30 years old and still in his prime, yet he's the oldest player on the rebuilding Portland Trail Blazers' roster. Because he doesn't fit the timeline of a team coming off of a 21-win season, it makes sense for Portland to explore trading one of their best players, but it has to be the right deal.
The Blazers and general manager Joe Cronin have no reason to rush into a trade just for the sake of moving Grant. While his contract is questionable, Portland is already under the luxury tax after moving Malcolm Brogdon. Grant also isn't taking away a spot in the starting lineup from an up-and-coming player who should be considered a sure-fire starter at this point in their career (although Toumani Camara had an impressive rookie year).
Mock deal has Blazers trading Lakers much-needed piece in Jerami Grant
Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley recently proposed trade packages to move the NBA's worst contracts, listing Bradley Beal, Zach LaVine, Jordan Poole, and Grant. The Blazers forward, who still has four years and $132.4 million remaining in his contract, was mentioned in a mock trade involving the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers are in win-now mode with a 39-year-old LeBron James and desperately need to add a third star to play alongside him and Anthony Davis. But do they give the Blazers enough in this mock deal to make it worth it for Portland?