Rockets Free Agency Profile: Should Jerami Grant Be A Prime Target?
HOUSTON — Portland Trail Blazers' Jerami Grant said all of the right things during his end-of-season media availability in April.
"I definitely like it here," Grant said. "I feel comfortable here. I am looking forward to the talks to figure something out."
Grant is eligible for a four-year extension to continue his career with the Trail Blazers. But the veteran forward can decide against the elongation and become an unrestricted free agent.
He would then qualify for a five-year contract worth $233.2 million to stay in Portland, or sign with a new team on a four-year deal worth up to $172.9 million.
The Trail Blazers could allow Grant to walk in free agency. Awarding him the max contract would push Portland closer to the luxury tax, creating an expensive payroll for a team likely to compete for a play-in tournament with a healthy Damian Lillard next season.
The Athletic ranked Grant No. 18 in their top 25 free agents and described him as a good player who could do more. And whether he stays in Portland or not, Grant is in line for a significant payday.
He would be an upgrade to any team. And could be the prototype who could help the Houston Rockets, who are entering phase II of their rebuilding project with new aspirations to win.
"Over the last few years, we have put ourselves in a position to be here," coach Ime Udoka said. "With the cap space we have in free agency, including the draft too, adding players who can help the growth of our young guys will be the most important thing."
Grant is a versatile wing who can enhance the Rockets' 3-point shooting and defensive struggles. He shot a career-best 40.1 percent from behind the arc while averaging 20.5 points last season.
He shot 39.3 percent on catch-and-shoot triples, a major absent within Houston's offense during the 2022-23 season. In addition to his career-high in the scoring department, Grant added 4.5 rebounds in 63 games with the Trail Blazers.
But his on-court attributes as a defensive player should make Grant one of the top free agents the Rockets should target come July 1.
He can guard any position on the court as a 6-foot-8 wingman who possesses a 7-foot-2 wingspan. His defensive versatility can help improve the Rockets' defense with Udoka at the helm.
Since leaving the Denver Nuggets in 2020, Grant has missed the playoffs three consecutive years. He loves coach Chauncey Billups and his teammates. But Grant said whichever team gives him the best chance to win will determine his free agency destination.
The Rockets have finished at the bottom of the league for three consecutive years. But Houston has a strong desire to turn back to relevancy in 2024. Could Grant's winning mentality and the Rockets' yearning create a perfect pairing this summer?
"I definitely want to win," Grant said. "Overall, this was my most efficient year. It has been fun and good for me. But at the same time, I do want to win."
You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24
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