​The NBA offseason is in full swing, and among the blockbuster moves already made, one stands out for involving Syracuse Orange’s most notable men’s basketball alum currently in the league. Jerami Grant is entering his 13th NBA season, and for now, it will be spent with a new team. Grant found himself in a high-profile trade between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Memphis Grizzlies. In this swap, Portland sent Grant and Kris Murray to Memphis in exchange for former two-time All-Star Ja Morant. If he remains with the Grizzlies through the offseason, Grant will have logged five different NBA teams in his career. Drafted 39th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2014 NBA Draft, Grant has previously played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, and Portland, with his most recent stint being with Portland.
Even after many seasons in the league, Grant continues to bring substantial value to a team. His archetype—a forward who can knock down threes at a solid clip and serve as a versatile defender across multiple positions—remains one of the league’s most valuable commodities. He isn’t the elite of defenders or the top rebounder (career 3.9 rebounds per game), but he can fit into various defensive schemes and won’t be a primary target for opponents. Last season, Grant averaged 18.6 points per game in just under 30 minutes per contest, and his perimeter shooting stands out. He hit 39 percent of his 6.1 three-point attempts per game, a figure that has been a constant throughout his career. In Portland over his last four seasons and 221 games (with 201 starts), he has shot 39 percent from three while averaging 5.8 assists per game. He has consistently been a reliable 15- to 20-point scorer. With his wingspan and the ability to fit into various defensive schemes, he can still retain significant value well beyond his prime, which will arrive in Grant’s age-32 season in 2026-27.
In Memphis, it will be interesting to see how the team manages him. On one hand, Grant’s skill set and veteran experience can help a franchise turning the page on the Morant Era and entering a rebuilding phase. Memphis is building around a young core that includes Cameron Boozer, Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, and Jaylen Wells, and Grant’s presence could provide steadiness and leadership. On the other hand, Memphis’ offseason appears to be far from finished. The Grizzlies’ roster currently appears to exceed the 15-player limit, a situation stemming from offseason moves, new draft picks, and players from the previous season. According to Spotrac, Grant could be moved starting August 29, so it remains unclear whether he will stay or be dealt. His current contract also presents a hurdle for potential deals.
Grant’s deal remains a five-year, $160 million contract he signed with Portland, with the 2026-27 salary guaranteed. He can still be under contract for at least two more seasons, which could influence any trade considerations and team planning as Memphis continues to shape its roster.