Portland Trail Blazers’ standout player is set to part ways with the team following a lucrative $160 million contract offer from the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have a few months left to enhance their roster before the season kicks off. To make a significant impact, they might need to trade both of their available first-round picks along with some salary fillers. Given LeBron James’ continued high performance and Anthony Davis’ status as one of the league’s elite players, it makes sense for the Lakers to fully leverage their current championship window.

Jerami Grant has emerged as a potential trade target, particularly given his situation with the Portland Trail Blazers. According to Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, Grant is likely to be traded by the 2025 deadline. Buckley notes that Grant became a prime trade candidate after Damian Lillard requested a trade from Portland, especially following Grant’s five-year, $160 million deal last summer.

“Since Lillard’s trade request, Grant’s status as a trade target has been clear. While both sides have managed the situation amicably, there’s a limit to how long this arrangement can last,” Buckley wrote on August 2. “Grant’s presence isn’t necessarily blocking younger forwards from playing, but the Blazers’ rebuild would be smoother without his contract. Additionally, Grant might prefer not to spend his prime years at the bottom of the standings.”

Grant Has Been on the Lakers ‘Radar’

With most of the top free agents already signed and the trade market relatively quiet apart from rumors involving Lauri Markkanen, the Los Angeles Lakers have few viable options beyond pursuing Grant.

Grant’s contract is somewhat concerning as he’s in the second year of a five-year, $160 million deal, but he might be the best available player for the Lakers to acquire.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports noted that Grant is a player the Lakers have been considering.

“Yes, the Lakers have limited options for impactful players they could realistically acquire,” Fischer said on July 31. “As far as I know, [Jerami Grant] is someone they have been keeping an eye on.”
The Lakers would need to be inventive in their approach to a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers, but there are ways they could match the salary for Grant.

Trail Blazers Want to Trade Grant

After ending the season at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 21-61 record, the Portland Trail Blazers are still several years away from being competitive. This situation could be a major factor in their interest in trading Jerami Grant, especially considering his substantial contract.

Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian mentioned on “Sactown Sports 1140” that the Trail Blazers aim to trade either Grant or Anfernee Simons. He stated on July 31, “I’d be surprised if either Jerami Grant or Anfernee Simons is not traded. I was informed that the goal is to move one of them before training camp, though it’s possible neither might be dealt before then. They have the option to wait until the trade deadline to see if they get a better offer.”

If the Trail Blazers are set on trading him, the Los Angeles Lakers might benefit, as the eventual trade terms could align with what they are willing to accept.