As trade rumors continue to swirl around the NBA, the Portland Trail Blazers appear to be in no rush to part ways with their forward Jerami Grant. While interest from the Los Angeles Lakers and other teams is present, Portland's leverage and patient approach may lead them to hold onto Grant, unless a favorable trade offer materializes.

Grant's journey in the NBA has seen him transition from a scrappy defender during his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons to a player focused on refining his offensive skills. However, his pairing with Damian Lillard in Portland did not yield the desired results, leading to speculation about his future with the team.

Recent reports suggest that the Blazers are open to taking on salary but want to avoid entering the luxury tax zone. Grant's name is not the only one circulating as a potential trade asset; injured player Robert Williams III is also mentioned. The Blazers could entertain a deal involving expiring contracts such as Russell and Wood, along with second-year player Hood-Schifino, and the talented Hachimura on a two-season contract worth $35.3 million. Another possibility is extracting draft compensation from the Lakers in exchange for Grant.

Crucially, the Blazers have the luxury of time, as the recent trade of Malcolm Brogdon to the Washington Wizards for Deni Avdija ensures that they will not face the burden of luxury taxes on a roster undergoing rebuilding. Financially stable, the team is content to wait throughout the summer and possibly into the upcoming season before making any significant moves. This patient approach was displayed last summer when they held out for a better offer for Lillard, ultimately receiving an attractive deal from the Milwaukee Bucks and leaving the Miami Heat empty-handed.

Looking ahead, the Blazers are focused on building relevancy in the medium term rather than seeking short-term gains. Their acquisition of Deni Avdija from the Wizards aimed to strengthen their core for future success. Additionally, the team's fascination with accumulating draft picks echoes the approach of successful franchises like the Oklahoma City Thunder.

According to sources close to the situation, the Blazers are demanding two first-round picks in exchange for Grant. Concerns over his contract and potential reluctance to accept a lesser role on a championship contender have dissuaded the Lakers and other teams from pursuing the trade. However, it's worth noting that Grant's offensive capabilities, including his three-point shooting and shot-creation ability, could prove valuable alongside stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Grant's defensive contributions should not be underestimated either.

The Lakers now find themselves facing a decision with limited options, while the Blazers can confidently set their trade expectations and patiently await the Lakers' response. The financial intricacies involved for the Lakers further complicate the potential transaction.

In sum, the Blazers are strategically positioning themselves amid the trade chatter surrounding Jerami Grant. They have the flexibility to wait it out and retain Grant if a suitable offer does not materialize, while the Lakers face the challenge of not only making a decision but also finding a viable trade scenario. The coming weeks will reveal whether an agreement can be reached or if the Blazers will continue to rely on Grant's contributions on the court.

(Source: Blazer's Edge