Could Portland Be Cut Out of a Jeremy Grant Deal to Minnesota?

A major NBA trade reshaped Minnesota’s roster and could open the door for Portland forward Jeremy Grant to become a target. The Timberwolves are set to add LaMelo Ball from Charlotte in exchange for Naz Reid and multiple draft picks, while earlier they also reached an agreement to send Julius Randle to Brooklyn. That leaves Minnesota short on power forwards and looking for help on the wing.

Grant, who is under contract with Portland for $34 million this season and $38 million next season, has a player option for next year that he is expected to exercise. He fits what Minnesota may need, since he is viewed as a solid defender who can hit 3-pointers and play at the faster pace the Wolves are expected to use. Given the thin free-agent market, the article says Minnesota is likely to try solving the position through a trade rather than free agency.

Possible pieces in a Grant deal include Josh Green, whose contract is expiring and pays $14.6 million, and injured Donte DiVincenzo, who makes $12.8 million. Grant averaged 18.6 points per game in 57 appearances this season and shot 38.9% from three-point range.

The relationship between the two front offices is considered strong, since Mikea Nouri was recently named Portland’s coach after working as an assistant in Minnesota. Separately, Charlotte created a historic $40 million trade exception, which would let it absorb a player earning up to $40 million without sending salary back, and the team is now linked to names such as Tyler Herro, Josh Giddey and possibly Kyrie Irving.