1. Jerami Grant
Grant fits on any contender because of his versatility. He was a key defender and shot-maker for the Nuggets in 2020 as they made a run to the conference finals. The 6’7 forward has since looked for opportunities to showcase his offensive game. He is averaging over 20 points per game for the third time in four years. Grant shot over 40 percent from 3-point range last season and can guard multiple options.
The Blazers signed the 29-year-old to a five-year $160 million contract this offseason. They hoped it would help convince Dame to stay in Rip City, but Portland went through with the deal even after Lillard requested a trade. The Trail Blazers have zero reasons to keep him as Grant will be past his prime by the time Portland is ready to return to the playoffs.
What can they get in return? Grant figures to draw interest from multiple contenders, and the Blazers will be looking for draft picks and young talent. These are the types of moves Portland should explore as they look to jump-start their rebuild.
Expect the Portland Trail Blazers to be active and aggressive before the Feb. 8 trade deadline. Rumors and talks will heat up as more players become eligible to be traded on Dec. 15. The Blazers have some young talent and hope to add more in the 2024 NBA Draft. They are just starting a rebuild, but Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons are a strong core to be this early in the proceedings.