Portland Could Benefit as Minnesota Targets Jerami Grant

A major NBA trade wave has created a possible opening for Portland forward Jerami Grant to land in Minnesota. The Timberwolves are reshaping their frontcourt after agreeing to acquire LaMelo Ball from Charlotte for Naz Reid and multiple draft picks, adding a high-level point guard alongside Rudy Gobert. Earlier, Minnesota also reached a deal to send Julius Randle to Brooklyn, leaving the team short on power forwards.

Grant is now seen as a logical target for Minnesota because he fits what the Wolves need and what they are expected to become. He is under contract for $34 million this season and $38 million next season, with a player option he is expected to exercise. He is viewed as a strong defender who can shoot from three and play at the faster pace Minnesota is likely to use.

Given the thin free-agent market, Minnesota is expected to look to trades to solve the forward problem. Players who could be included in a deal for Grant are Josh Green, who is on an expiring $14.6 million contract, and injured Donte DiVincenzo, who makes $12.8 million. Grant averaged 18.6 points in 57 games this season and shot 38.9% from three.

The article also notes that the relationship between the two front offices is considered good, after Mike Nori was hired to coach Portland following a spell as a Minnesota assistant. Separately, Charlotte created a historic $40 million trade exception, which would allow it to absorb a player earning up to $40 million without sending salary back, and the Hornets could target players such as Tyler Herro, Josh Giddey, and possibly Kyrie Irving.