Blazers' Grant enjoying Portland tenure, doesn't 'plan on leaving'
Jerami Grant might have found a new long-term home with the Portland Trail Blazers.
"I ain't really plan on leaving," Grant told The Athletic's Jason Quick on Friday after the Blazers' 108-99 loss to the Indiana Pacers.
Grant has averaged 22.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 44.2% from 3-point range in his first season with Portland. The franchise acquired him from the Detroit Pistons last offseason.
"I definitely like it here; love it here," Grant added. "The guys have been very welcoming. It's definitely a family environment; everybody is super cool, got good guys on the team, great organization - Joe (Cronin), Chauncey (Billups), everything. I'm definitely enjoying it here."
Grant hasn't made a definitive free agency decision halfway into the season but says he's weighing the team's success, his role, and his family.
"It's a lot of stuff that goes into it. That's why I'm kind of taking my time right now," Grant said.
The 28-year-old has a few paths for his next contract. Grant became eligible for an extension on Friday, which could pay him a maximum of four years and $112.6 million. If he enters free agency but decides to re-sign with Portland, Grant can increase his contract up to five years, $233.1 million. If another team signs him in free agency, the highest offer would be for four years, $172 million.
"I'm sure at this point in his career, he's looking for a home," teammate Damian Lillard said. "He's not looking to be on another team, so in my mind, I just assume it's more than likely that he'll be back."
The Trail Blazers have lost seven of their last 10 games, including two straight. Portland takes on the Toronto Raptors on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET.