Denver Nuggets’ forward Jerami Grant is tempted to test the free agency for the first time in his NBA career. During his recent appearance on Posted Up with Chris Haynes podcast, Grant admitted that he is “leaning” towards rejecting his player option and becoming a free agent this summer.
Grant has a $9.3 million option for 2020/21 as part of the three-year, $27.3 million extension he signed with Oklahoma City Thunder back in 2018. And while this would be a solid salary, especially in these times of uncertainty, the 26-year-old thinks he deserves more based on his showing in recent seasons.
“I’m definitely not leaning towards picking up the player option,” Grant told host Chris Haynes. “Like you said, I feel like I definitely outplayed the $9 million that I’m making each year right now.”
Grant’s decision, however, doesn’t mean he would like to leave the Nuggets.
“But at the same time… I’d love to come to a conclusion or something like that with Denver, it just depends what we discuss and negotiate when the time comes,” he added.
The Nuggets are expected to be very motivated to keep Jerami Grant on their team, especially since they gave up a first-round pick for him last summer. At 26, Grant also fits nicely with Denver’s young core and could possibly be a long-term solution on the power forward position given that Paul Millsap is set to become a free agent in the summer.
Since arriving in Denver, Grant played 64 games and averaged 11.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. He has also been a key contributor on the other side of the floor, thanks to his defensive versatility and ability to defend positions one through four.
