Memphis Grizzlies received forward Jerami Grant from Portland Trail Blazers

Memphis gave up Ja Morant to acquire Jerami Grant on a three-year, $102.6M deal ($32M AAV), and this trade earns a D+ Contract Value Index (CVI)—a significant overpay that reflects the Grizzlies' desperation more than Grant's on-court value. Grant is a solid starter and capable two-way wing, but paying him $32M annually ties up substantial salary cap flexibility for a franchise that just finished 25-57 and needs roster reconstruction, not a max-money bet on a mid-tier forward. The contract's structure—$66.2M guaranteed over three years—locks Memphis into this commitment with minimal escape hatches, meaning the team cannot easily pivot if Grant underperforms or injuries mount. At this salary level, the Grizzlies are betting Grant can anchor a competitive rebuild, but his career arc and role on contenders suggests he plays best as a third or fourth option, not a centerpiece justifying $32M per year. The CVI decline reflects a front office miscalculation: trading away a generational scorer for salary relief and acquiring a rotation-caliber player at near-max money is the opposite of sound value management. This deal will weigh on Memphis's cap sheet and competitive timeline for years.