One of the Los Angeles Lakers’ potential trade targets, Portland Trail Blazers wing Jerami Grant, might soon be on the move. According to Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian, the Trail Blazers are planning to trade Grant within the next year, which could play to the Lakers’ advantage.
Fentress discussed the Trail Blazers’ intentions on Sactown Sports 1140, indicating that the team aims to trade either Grant or Anfernee Simons before the start of training camp. “I would be surprised if Jerami or Anfernee Simons, that one of the two is not moved. I was told that that’s definitely the goal, that one of the two would probably be gone before training camp,” he said. “Both being gone might be different. They obviously have time. They can wait until the trade deadline and see if someone else will offer more.”
One complication is Grant’s hefty contract—he is entering the second year of a five-year, $160 million deal. Teams might hesitate to take on his salary and part with valuable draft assets.
While Grant is on the Lakers’ radar, the team is looking for a fair trade deal despite the limited window. The Athletic’s Jovan Buha revealed on “Buha’s Block” that the Trail Blazers are asking for two first-round picks in exchange for Grant. “Portland’s been wanting two first-round picks for Jerami Grant, and that is a steep price for the Lakers,” Buha reported. The Lakers currently lack many first-round picks and are being cautious about their trade decisions. Additionally, the Trail Blazers reportedly have no interest in acquiring D’Angelo Russell, as they already have numerous guards.
ESPN’s Zach Lowe hinted on “The Lowe Post” that Grant joining the Lakers might be inevitable. “Should we start printing the Jerami Grant-Lakers jerseys, by the way? Should we just do it now? I think… I might order one,” Lowe remarked.
The Trail Blazers, in the midst of a rebuild, don’t prioritize winning immediately, unlike the Lakers, who are aiming to capitalize on the remaining prime years of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The situation might ultimately be a waiting game, with each side looking to secure the best possible deal.
As the 2024-25 season progresses, both the Trail Blazers and the Lakers might find the opportunity to make a mutually beneficial trade, addressing their respective needs and goals.
