With growing indications that the Trail Blazers may be unable to find a suitable trade partner for Jerami Grant, it appears increasingly likely that the veteran forward could be moved into a bench role for the upcoming season.
According to Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report, this potential shift would mark a significant change for Grant, who is entering the third year of a lucrative five-year, $160 million contract – a deal that includes a player option and makes him one of the highest-paid players likely to come off the bench in the entire NBA.
Highkin points out that it would be difficult to justify sidelining younger forwards like Deni Avdija or Toumani Camara, both of whom were among Portland’s most effective contributors last season.
Given their impact and development trajectory, they are expected to remain central to the team’s rotation going forward.
In light of this, Grant may find that his best course of action is to focus on improving his on-court performance and re-establishing his value around the league.
By bouncing back from what was widely seen as a disappointing season, he could increase the likelihood of a future trade – ideally to a team that would offer him a starting role, better fitting his experience and salary level.
Blazers Notes: Grant, Allen, Arena https://t.co/XOMojYtoZb pic.twitter.com/VSz0egzZ3h
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) August 5, 2025
