NBA analyst expects Jerami Grant to be a Blazer after his evolving role with team: “In January he’s going to be eligible for a 4-Year $115 Million”
Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers has found a new home this season, and his fitness with the squad is looking perfect. After hopping around from team to team, Grant is looking to settle in Portland for good.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Grant is poised to have a multi-year contract extension in January. This extension heavily depends on the Blazers' front office if they are willing to offer him a deal. Based on how he has played this season, it looks like he deserves to get paid next year by Portland.
Charania stated that there is a possibility of the organization securing the two-way swingman. He fits into their timeline of trying to contend and being a solid tertiary option behind Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons.
"Now, he sees that this team, he likes the fit that he has there and we've seen him play a few different roles so far in the NBA," Charania said.
"I think the role he has now in Portland is a hybrid role, he's able to be the one on some nights, the two on most nights, two-three along with Simons and Lillard. So, I think that is the best position for him.
"In January he’s going to be eligible for a four-year $115 Million contract extension, we'll see when he gets that offer, if and when he's gonna take it."
Charania also had the opportunity to talk to Grant about his incredible play for Portland this season.
"I didn’t know how to feel about it for the first night, but once I settled down, I realized this is a better situation for me," Grant said. "I think it was a great decision on my part for my career, to be able to grow and experience being in that position knowing where I'm at, knowing where I could be," Grant said.
Also read: Who is Jerami Grant? Evaluating his career trajectory with Portland Trail Blazers so far in the NBA
Jerami Grant is the perfect co-star for Lillard
The Trail Blazers have tried year in and year out to find the perfect co-star to pair with Lillard. This time around, the front office seems to have knocked it right off the park with their acquisition of Jerami Grant. The forward has done a tremendous job of being a reliable option for the team this season.
His brand of play compliments Lillard's skillset. As Lillard carries most of the scoring, Grant can be seen doing the dirty work for the team. His high motor is one of the aspects that people tend to overlook when evaluating his play. Not only does he defend, the two-way forward is also a great hustle player and rebounder.
There is quite a lot to consider when looking at the Blazers' success. But one thing is for certain, Grant is a big cause of their positive outcome for the 2022-23 NBA season.
Also read: “I didn’t know how to feel about (Blazers) for the first night” – Jerami Grant discusses his companionship with Damian Lillard & his roller-coaster journey in NBA