Jerami Grant is gearing up for his 13th NBA season, now donning a Memphis Grizzlies jersey after a mid‑season trade from the Portland Trail Blazers. The move marks the latest chapter in a career that has seen the forward swing from Philadelphia to Detroit, with stops in Oklahoma City, Denver and now Memphis.
The financial calculus
Drafted 39th overall in 2014, Grant has built a reputation as a versatile scorer who can stretch the floor with efficient three‑point shooting while also shouldering defensive responsibilities across multiple positions. Last season he posted 18.6 points per game and shot 39 percent from beyond the arc, underscoring his dual‑threat capabilities.
His contract adds another layer of complexity. The Grizzlies owe him a guaranteed $34 million for the 2026‑27 campaign, with a player option worth $36 million for 2027‑28. Those figures place a significant financial burden on a franchise that is already navigating a crowded 15‑player roster.
What lies ahead
The team’s roster constraints mean the front office can begin exploring trade options for Grant as early as August 29. For a club in the midst of a rebuild, his veteran presence and skill set are attractive assets, but the salary demands may limit the pool of suitors.
Grant’s future remains unsettled. He could be moved again before the deadline, or he might elect to decline his player option and seek a longer, potentially more lucrative deal with Memphis. Either path will shape the next phase of the Grizzlies’ rebuilding strategy.