Trail Blazers May Bring Jerami Grant Off Bench While Ownership and Arena Questions Linger
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Portland’s efforts to move forward Jerami Grant appear to be stalled, leaving the 30-year-old poised for a reserve assignment when training camp opens this fall, according to The Rose Garden Report. Grant is entering the third season of a five-year, $160 million contract that includes a player option, making him one of the NBA’s costliest second-unit players if the arrangement holds.
The club’s preference to start Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara — widely viewed as Portland’s top performers last season — limits space in the first unit for Grant. Team observers believe the veteran’s best path is to restore his market value after what was considered a down year, potentially easing a trade to a franchise that would use him as a starter.
Front-office control remains with Jody Allen
Jody Allen continues to run the Trail Blazers as executor of her late brother Paul Allen’s estate, Sportico reported in a recent profile. Although the billionaire’s will requires an eventual sale of the franchise, sources told the outlet that she is in no rush to gauge the team’s current valuation or initiate a transaction. Any sale is expected to include a stipulation that the club stay in Portland.
Arena discussions on the horizon
Portland’s lease at Moda Center expires in 2030. League insiders anticipate that a future ownership group will seek public funding for a new facility, a view echoed by NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who said the city “likely needs a new arena.” In response, Oregon governor Tina Kotek and Portland mayor Keith Wilson issued a joint letter to Silver arguing that extensive renovations to the existing arena should suffice.
Imagem: Dana Gauruder via hoopsrumors.com
Quick hit
In case you missed it, former Blazers star Damian Lillard has accepted the role of general manager for Weber State’s men’s basketball program.
Source: Hoops Rumors
