Blazers stick to asking price in Jerami Grant trade: report

The Portland Trail Blazers are reportedly sticking with their high asking price for veteran forward Jerami Grant in a potential trade deal. Portland has discussed various deals for Grant around the league since this summer, but so far has been unable to agree on a return with any team.

According to NBA insider Evan Sidery of Forbes, Portland is sticking with its asking price of two first-round picks for the veteran. Sidery reported the news on social media.

“Jerami Grant is considered one of the top wings that could become available on the trade market. The Trail Blazers are still asking a high price for Grant, which includes at least two first-round picks. Grant has up to four years left on his contract with Portland.

Portland General Manager Joe Cronin is known across all industries as a price stickler. Cronin doesn’t make deals for the sake of making deals, but rather tries to achieve the best possible outcome in all trade negotiations.

This is a good strategy, but it can always backfire if he waits too long. As for Grant, his quoted price might be a bit high and most teams won’t be willing to match the package.

The biggest problem with Grant is not his play on the field, but his contract. The veteran has four years left on his contract and is scheduled to earn $29.7 million this season.

Additionally, his salary increases each season, with his final year as a 33-year-old set to earn him $36.4 million. Most teams won’t want to pay Grant that much money, which has prevented a deal from happening so far. Although he’s not a star player, he’s currently being paid like one.

The team with the most interest in Grant over the summer was the Los Angeles Lakers. But like the other teams, Los Angeles was only willing to offer a first-round draft pick for Grant’s services.

For now, the Trail Blazers will hold on to Grant, but it makes perfect sense for them to move him before the upcoming NBA trade deadline. His value is currently at an all-time high, meaning Portland could get at least a draft pick and some player resources in a deal.

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