Blazers valued at $160 million are linked as a trade target for East Powerhouse

The Portland Trail Blazers could make a big move this offseason as rumors swirl about veteran forward Jerami Grant as a potential trade candidate.

While the Trail Blazers are projected to be near the bottom of the standings, they have some valuable assets that may be better suited for a contending team. Grant in particular has fueled trade speculation and could make moves before the trade deadline.

Among the potential suitors, Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes noted that the Cleveland Cavaliers would benefit greatly from a player of Grant’s caliber, although they may face challenges in getting a deal done.

Hughes called Grant a dream target for the Cavaliers.

“It doesn’t matter that the Cleveland Cavaliers would have to part ways with Darius Garland or Jarrett Allen, two players the Portland Trail Blazers probably wouldn’t want, to even start a conversation about Grant. We’re approaching this strictly from the perspective of the Cavs’ needs, and they could use a big wing (Grant is more of a 4 than a 3, but close enough) who can defend multiple positions and bury threes,” Hughes wrote.

“Grant, 30, has averaged at least 19.0 points per game over the past four years and hit 40.1 percent of his threes over the past two seasons. He would add size, shot creation and good defense to the Cavs’ closing lineup. ” units, pushing them further up the eastern food chain,” Hughes adds.

Grant would fit seamlessly into Cleveland’s lineup, complementing star Donovan Mitchell and strengthening the team’s two-way play.

His versatility as a perimeter scorer and defender would fill two key needs for the Cavs: offensive depth and defensive flexibility. This season, Grant is off to a strong start, averaging 18.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 37 percent from the field and 34 percent from three-point range in eight games. However, at age 30 and in the second year of a five-year, $160 million deal, Grant’s contract poses a long-term financial strain for Portland, especially as the team focuses on rebuilding.

The Blazers are among the teams vying for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

While Grant would be an asset to any team looking for a reliable scorer and defensive presence, Portland’s current timeline makes him a challenging player. It’s likely only a matter of time before the Blazers move him, but whether he ends up in Cleveland or elsewhere remains to be seen. It would indeed be a surprise if he remains a Blazer this time next year.

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