The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly eyeing Jerami Grant as a potential trade target, and while it might raise a few eyebrows at first glance, there’s some logic behind the move - even if it’s wrapped in financial risk.
According to multiple reports, Milwaukee is looking to be active buyers ahead of the trade deadline, and Grant’s name has surfaced as a player of interest. The 31-year-old forward has been with the Portland Trail Blazers since being traded from Detroit in 2022. A year after the move, the Blazers doubled down by signing him to a five-year, $160 million deal that runs through the 2027-28 season, including a $36.4 million player option that Grant is widely expected to pick up.
That contract - once viewed as a major overpay - has been a sticking point in trade talks. It’s the kind of deal that can scare off front offices, especially in today’s CBA landscape where flexibility is king and bloated deals can weigh down a roster for years. But Grant’s play this season is starting to change the perception around that number.
After a down year in 2022-23 where he averaged 14.4 points on just 37.3% shooting from the field, Grant has bounced back. He’s currently putting up 20 points per game while shooting a much-improved 43.8% from the floor and 39.5% from beyond the arc. That kind of efficiency - particularly from deep - makes him a more appealing piece for a team like Milwaukee, which is looking for a two-way wing who can stretch the floor and guard multiple positions.
Still, the question remains: would Portland actually move him?
Despite the contract and the potential to gain assets, Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin reportedly views Grant as a key part of the team’s core. He’s become a favorite in Portland’s front office, and that kind of internal value can complicate trade talks, even when the financials suggest it might be time to sell.
From Milwaukee’s side, the motivation is clear. The Bucks are in win-now mode - not just for the sake of chasing another title, but to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo content and committed.
With limited draft capital and few tradable assets, the Bucks don’t have many paths to a major upgrade. Taking on a contract like Grant’s might be one of the few viable options left if they want to add a high-level contributor without gutting their rotation.
It’s a gamble, no doubt. But it’s also the kind of move you consider when the window is open and the pressure to deliver is sky-high.
Whether or not the Blazers are ready to part ways with Grant is another story. For now, the rumors are just that - but with the trade deadline creeping closer and Milwaukee looking to shake things up, this is a storyline worth watching. Grant returning to the Eastern Conference, where he last played with the Pistons, would certainly add another wrinkle to the playoff race.
And in a league where one bold move can change everything, don’t be surprised if the Bucks decide to roll the dice.