Blazers Fire Back At Critics Of Jerami Grant’s Huge Contract

An anonymous member of the Portland Trail Blazers fired back at critics who criticized the franchise for giving Jerami Grant a five-year, $160 million contract during a private conversation with NBA writer Keith Smith of Spotrac.

“Jerami Grant’s contract isn’t a bad contract,” the anonymous member of the Blazers said. “People got downright idiotic with the things that were said and written about that deal. He’s making 20% of the cap and people acted like we gave him a max deal. No matter what direction our roster takes, that’s a good deal.”

Grant finished the 2022-23 season with averages of 20.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He shot 47.5% from the field, 40.1% from beyond the arc and 81.3% from the free-throw line.

The 29-year-old Grant has played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons and Blazers. He has career averages of 12.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Grant will make $27.6 million next season.

In the wake of Damian Lillard’s trade request, one NBA writer has urged the Blazers to trade Grant as soon as he’s eligible to be moved. Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report thinks Portland paid way too much for the forward.

“In three years, Grant will be 32 and will still have two seasons and $70 million remaining on his contract, including a $36.4 million player option in 2027-28,” Swartz wrote. “He’s essentially being paid like a No. 1 or No. 2 option, yet he’s probably the fourth-best player on a championship-caliber team. According to ProFitX.com, Grant’s real-time contract this past season was valued at $19 million.

“Portland has to hope that Grant gets off to a strong start to the 2023-24 seasons, eating up more shot opportunities following a Damian Lillard trade. The Blazers should try to move off his contract as soon as possible, even if the ink is still drying.”

Lillard wants to get traded to the Miami Heat. However, since he doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, Lillard can’t force his way to Miami.