New Rumor Halts Kings’ Potential Acquisition of Blazers’ Jerami Grant

As we approach the NBA trade deadline, we’ve begun to see more and more names around the league pop up as candidates who could be in for a change in scenery. But as for this time, it looks as if a name recently centered in rumors may be off the market.

Despite having the chance to gain some interest from opposing teams, it seems the Portland Trail Blazers have little to no interest in sending off F Jerami Grant via trade. He’s been a player many have projected as a complimentary fit for the Sacramento Kings, but the willingness for a deal to happen might not be there for both parties.

According to a report from Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports, the Blazers are not expected to put heavy consideration into trading away their ten-year veteran forward:

Jerami Grant would represent an absolute difference-maker for both Dallas and the Sacramento Kings, another leading suitor for Siakam. The Kings have made Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, and Davion Mitchell available in trade conversations, sources said. However, Portland is not expected to seriously entertain offers for Grant, league sources told Yahoo Sports, in contrast to veteran point guard Malcolm Brogdon.

Grant has had a solidly productive year during his second season in Portland. Through his 34 games, he’s averaged 21.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists on 45.5% from the field and 41.1% from deep.

Hypothetically, a player with Jerami’s skillset could be a perfect match for this Kings roster coveting a two-way threat on the wing. He possesses great size and positional versatility, which allows for some appeal on the defensive side of the ball. Pairing next to Keegan Murray at the other forward spot could make for a dangerous duo that can impact the game on both sides of the ball.

However, it seems as if adding Grant to Sacramento is all but a fantasy. Portland seems focused on keeping a veteran presence like him around their foundation of young, growing guards like Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe, even if it fails to bring success in the win-loss column.

Thankfully for the Kings, the market remains fluid with a multitude of other players they could acquire more realistically to improve their title chances. All-Star caliber players like Pascal Siakam, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan are still on the table for the taking. If Sacramento decided it was time to make a splash, there’s ample opportunity to do so.

Be on the lookout for increasing rumors surrounding Sacramento as the NBA trade deadline creeps up on February 8th.