NBA Trade Rumors: Jusuf Nurkic, Josh Hart could be made available by Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers are in a very difficult position ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline. The latest trade rumors suggest that the Blazers could make Jusuf Nurkic and Josh Hart available.
The Blazers have had an underwhelming season, with a current record of 23-25. They are 12th in the Western Conference standings despite making some moves in the offseason. They also signed Damian Lillard, Jusuf Nurkic and Anfernee Simons to new contracts.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports reported that the Blazers are giving the impression that they are open to trading the majority of their players. Hart and Nurkic could have the most suitors since Portland are not keen on parting ways with Lillard, Simons and Jerami Grant.
Josh Hart was acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans last season in the CJ McCollum trade. The Portland Trail Blazers might prefer trading Hart, who has a player option for next season. NBA executives believe that Hart will opt out and become a free agent.
Meanwhile, Jusuf Nurkic has been with the Blazers since 2017 and even signed a four-year, $70 million contract in the offseason. Nurkic could cost more than Hart due to his deal, making it difficult for Portland to trade him on the cheap.
Jake Fischer added that the Blazers are keen to add a couple of players to bolster their chances of making the playoffs. A player with size and athleticism, and a perimeter defender with a shot are high on their wish list.
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Portland Trail Blazers looking to extend Jerami Grant
The Portland Trail Blazers acquired Jerami Grant from the Detroit Pistons in the offseason. Grant has been really good for the Blazers, averaging 21.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists this season. He's shooting 48.8% from the field and 42.4% from beyond the arc.
According to Yahoo! Sports' Jake Fischer, the Blazers are interested in extending Grant's contract and have offered him a four-year, $112 million deal. However, Grant has not accepted the offer and could wait until the offseason to sign it.
Even though there's a chance that Grant could leave the Blazers this summer, he seems to be enjoying his stay in Portland. Grant told The Athletic earlier this month that he loves playing for the Blazers.
"I definitely like it here," Grant said. "Love it here. The guys have been very welcoming. It's definitely a family environment. Everybody is super cool.
"Got good guys on the team, great organization — Joe (Cronin), Chauncey (Billups), everything. I'm definitely enjoying it here. ... I ain't really plan on leaving."
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