Portland Trail Blazers star Jerami Grant has found himself on a dubious list as one of the worst value contracts in the NBA. Despite his potential, analysts pointed out that his hefty $132 million deal did not align with his on-court performance, raising concerns about its impact on the team’s financial flexibility.
Grant’s current contract has come under fire as one of the more questionable deals in the NBA. Signed for four years and $132.4 million, his contract was initially seen as a strategic move to bolster Portland alongside superstar Damian Lillard. However, with Lillard’s recent trade, Grant’s value has diminished significantly, raising concerns about whether he can live up to his hefty price tag.
As of now, Grant is averaging just 15 points per game on a shooting percentage that sits below 40%. This decline in performance has made him a focal point of criticism. His inability to consistently contribute offensively has affected not only his standing but also the overall competitiveness of Portland. Given his current production, it’s hard to justify his contract, which positions him as a top-paid player without delivering the expected results.
Moreover, Grant’s contract places a burden on the Trail Blazers’ salary cap, limiting their flexibility to make necessary adjustments to the roster. This situation becomes increasingly pressing as the tean aims to rebuild and find a suitable replacement for Lillard. The financial implications of Grant’s contract could hinder their ability to attract new talent or make impactful trades.
NBA Analysis Claims Portland Trail Blazers’ Jerami Grant Has One of the Worst Contracts This Season
Grant’s contract with Portland is seen as one of the worst this season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Andy Bailey for Bleacher Report.
Four years, $132.4 million (with a player option in 2027-28)
Jerami Grant’s current contract was a head-scratcher the moment he signed it, but it became a full-blown albatross when Damian Lillard was traded shortly after he secured it.
Grant is being paid like a top 50-60 player, but he’s not even performing like a starter.
Grant will be 31 in March, and he’s averaging 15.0 points on 38.2 percent shooting. He’s been a below-average rebounder his entire career. He doesn’t do much as a distributor. And he’s not as good a defender as his three-and-D-friendly frame suggests he should be.
Despite these challenges, it’s important to acknowledge Grant’s defensive capabilities and past performance. He has shown flashes of potential as a versatile forward and a capable defender. However, the inconsistency in his game raises questions about whether he can reclaim his form and justify his contract moving forward.
Grant’s deal has quickly turned from a strategic acquisition to a potential liability for Portland. As the season progresses, he will need to elevate his game to restore confidence in his value and help the team navigate a challenging transition.
For More Great Basketball Content
Follow me on Twitter at @BeatKit22 and follow us @HardwoodHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional sports, click here!
