Jerami Grant Could Emerge as Grizzlies Trade Candidate During Season

Forward Jerami Grant is entering his 13th season and is ready to embrace a veteran role with the young Memphis Grizzlies. However, reports indicate that he could become a trade candidate as the season progresses.

Grant was acquired by Memphis in the offseason as part of the trade that sent guard Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Grizzlies brought Grant in to provide veteran experience and help mentor a younger roster.

ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel reported that Grant could become a trade target.

"Looking ahead, he will be a prime trade candidate as the season progresses," Siegel wrote.

There have been no reports indicating that Memphis is actively shopping Grant. In August, the Grizzlies' front office also indicated that there were no current plans to trade him.

The Syracuse product has played in two preseason games so far, logging 34 total minutes. He has combined for 13 points and seven rebounds.

While Grant gives Memphis the veteran presence it needs, contenders could still view him as a useful trade target later in the season.

Grant has a player option after this season and can become a free agent after the 2027-28 season.

In both preseason games, the 6-foot-7 forward has come off the bench.

He was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the No. 39 pick in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft.

Grant played two full seasons in Philadelphia before the Oklahoma City Thunder traded for him during the 2016-17 season. He later played for the Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, and Portland.

In 2023, he signed a five-year, $160 million contract to remain with the Trail Blazers.

Last season, Grant averaged 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 38.9% from 3-point range.

The Grizzlies have been projected to finish 31-51 this season.

Their progress will depend heavily on contributions from their young players and center Zach Edey taking another step while staying healthy.

Although the Grizzlies are rebuilding, expectations this season will center on youth development, physical toughness, and growing pains under Tuomas Iisalo.

The front office has emphasized building a physically and mentally tough identity with positional versatility.

In Memphis' most recent preseason game, the starting lineup included guard Ty Jerome, guard Jaylen Wells, forward Cedric Coward, forward Cameron Boozer, and center Zach Edey.

Memphis has two preseason games remaining against the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets.

The Grizzlies open the regular season Oct. 21 by hosting the Utah Jazz.

The new chapter has begun for the franchise, and Boozer is positioned to become the face of a young core Memphis hopes to build around.

That could eventually make Grant even more attractive as a trade piece if the Grizzlies decide his veteran value is worth more to a contender than it is to a rebuilding roster.