NBA Trade Rumors: Jerami Grant choosing "desire to win" over money in potential free-agency

Portland Trail Blazers Jerami Grant will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and might end up leaving.

According to sources, Grant has already been offered a contract extension worth $112 million by the Portland Trail Blazers. The front office has made efforts to convince the 28-year old that he can be part of a winning team in Portland. However, the Portland Trail Blazers are currently 10th in the Western Conference and require consistent wins to qualify for the postseason.

Jerami Grant has revealed to sources that winning would be one of his top, or near the top, priorities. The Portland Trail Blazers have been busy convincing Damian Lillard to continue and Grant has until June 30th to accept the contract extension.

However, according to the Athletic, Jerami Grant is unlikely to stay despite the 5 second-round picks that the Trail Blazers acquired from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Gary Peyton.

Jerami Grant likely to leave Portland Trail Blazers

Currently, it looks unlikely that Grant will accept the $112 million offer and stay in Portland. Apart from the outlined belief that the Trail Blazers require a huge shakeup in order to emerge as contenders, Jerami Grant will also be offered more money and a longer contract by the Portland Trail Blazers if he enters free agency.

Of course, the same is true for other teams as well. Multiple contenders looking for a versatile forward may be interested in the 28-year-old. After two seasons of shooting with less than 50% efficiency, the player has shown improvement and is now converting 56% of his shots.

He averages more than 20 points per game and is a top defender capable of guarding multiple positions. Jerami Grant has already gone against players such as Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo with considerable success, and is seen as a player who is part of the Trail Blazers’ future.

Currently, all evidence points to Jerami Grant deciding to stay at the Trail Blazers, considering how much value has been allotted to him by the front office. Apart from Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons, Grant is the only player who is considered an “untouchable” when it comes to a potential trade. Of course, the ball currently remains in his court and a decision can be expected in the coming weeks.