Horace Grant: Jerami Grant Brings Veteran Savvy to Rebuilding Grizzlies
Source: SI NBA. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
When four-time NBA champion Horace Grant talks about basketball, people listen. Recently, he sat down with Action Network's Kyle Odegard to discuss a topic close to his heart: his nephew, Jerami Grant, and the veteran's new home with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Jerami Grant was part of a seismic trade that sent Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers. In return, Memphis landed Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, signaling a pivot toward a rebuild after years of contending. For Horace, the move is a chance for his nephew to bring stability to a young roster. "Yeah, he's excited," Horace said. "They picked up Cam Boozer with the No. 3 overall pick. They've got Scotty Pippen Jr. there coming off injury. I think he's going to be solid for them. They've got a nice little team."
Cameron Boozer, the highly touted rookie, has already shown flashes of brilliance. In a recent summer league game against the Bulls, he posted 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists on an efficient 81% true shooting. That kind of talent, combined with Pippen Jr.'s growth, gives Memphis a promising core. But the Grizzlies also need veteran presence—a role Jerami Grant, now 32, is ready to fill.
Jerami spent four seasons in Portland, averaging 18-plus points per game in three of them, and topping 20 points per game in both 2022-23 and 2023-24. His scoring ability remains sharp, but his value extends beyond the box score. Horace sees him as a locker room anchor, similar to veterans like Jae Crowder and Solomon Hill who helped the Grizzlies during their 2019-20 playoff run. "My nephew's been around the league for many years, so he knows the growing pains are going to be there," Horace noted. "With his veteran leadership and with Boozer, I think they'll be respectable as a young team."
The Grizzlies' wing depth chart is crowded. Jerami Grant joins a group that includes Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, GG Jackson, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Karim Lopez, Kris Murray, and Jahmai Mashack. Coward, in particular, has drawn attention for his 7'2.5" wingspan, efficient rim finishing, and potential as a weak-side rim protector. Imagining a frontcourt of Coward, Boozer, and Zach Edey is enough to make any scout's eyes light up.
One of the most intriguing storylines this season will be the battle for starting minutes. Jerami Grant has extensive starting experience, as does Jaylen Wells. Wells, however, has always seemed more suited to a bench role, where his energy can spark second units. The Grizzlies must decide whether to slot Jerami into the starting lineup or bring him off the bench—a decision with financial implications. Jerami is entering the fourth year of a five-year, $160 million contract signed before the 2023-24 season. He is set to earn approximately $34 million in 2026-27, with a player option worth about $36 million for the following season, which he is likely to exercise. Paying a potential top scorer a near-max contract to come off the bench is not typical for a rebuilding team, but Memphis may view it as a necessary investment in culture and mentorship.
Veterans are essential for rebuilding teams. On the court, their production may not always match their salary, but the wisdom they impart is invaluable. Jerami Grant still has plenty of juice left as a scorer—his ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor will be crucial for a young offense. Off the court, he can help guide Boozer, Pippen Jr., and others through the rigors of an NBA season.
Horace Grant's optimism is not unfounded. The Grizzlies have a blend of young talent and experienced voices. With Jerami Grant in the fold, Memphis can build a foundation that is both competitive now and sustainable for the future.
Article commentary
The Memphis Grizzlies' decision to trade Ja Morant for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray marks a clear strategic pivot—a calculated step into a rebuild that prioritizes long-term flexibility over short-term star power. While the immediate reaction focused on losing a dynamic point guard, the acquisition of Jerami Grant offers a different kind of asset: a proven scorer with championship pedigree and a locker room presence that young teams desperately need. Horace Grant's comments underscore the value of veteran leadership. But this trade is not without its risks. Jerami Grant's contract—a five-year, $160 million deal that pays him $34 million next season and carries a player option—is a significant financial commitment for a team that is not projected to contend. Paying a 32-year-old wing that kind of money during a rebuild could hamper cap flexibility, especially if the Grizzlies want to add young talent through free agency or trades. However, the team likely views Jerami as a tradeable asset later, particularly if he performs well and a contender seeks a veteran scorer. On the court, Jerami Grant remains a versatile wing. He can score in isolation, shoot from deep, and defend multiple positions. His experience playing alongside Damian Lillard in Portland should translate well to a younger Memphis team that needs a go-to option in half-court sets. The competition for starting minutes between Jerami, Jaylen Wells, and GG Jackson will be fascinating. Wells has shown flashes of two-way ability, but his inconsistency suggests he might thrive as a sixth man. Jackson, still raw but brimming with potential, could benefit from learning behind a veteran like Jerami. The Grizzlies' front office has also assembled an intriguing young core. Cam Boozer looks like a future star, and Scotty Pippen Jr. displayed growth before his injury. Add in Cedric Coward's unique physical tools and Zach Edey's interior presence, and Memphis has the pieces to build a competitive team in a few years. The key is patience. Horace Grant's optimism is well-placed, but fans should temper expectations for immediate success. This season will be about development, not wins. One overlooked aspect: Jerami Grant's role as a mentor. In a league where young players often struggle with consistency, having a veteran who has navigated multiple team cultures and playoff battles is invaluable. The Grizzlies saw this with Jae Crowder and Solomon Hill in 2019-20, and they hope Jerami can replicate that impact. If he embraces the role, Memphis could accelerate its rebuild by a year or two. Ultimately, this trade is a bet on culture and potential. The Grizzlies sacrificed immediate star power for a more balanced, sustainable roster. Jerami Grant may not be the headline-grabbing name that Morant was, but he could be the steadying force that transforms a young team into a playoff contender. The coming season will test whether that bet pays off.