At that point, Grant, who turns 29 in March, could receive $233 million over a five-year framework, although that upper range appears unrealistic. Grant has been on the record about his interest in sticking with Portland long term. He and franchise focal point Damian Lillard have held a close connection since playing on Team USA during the 2021 Olympics.
Like Hart, Brown is expected to decline his $6.9 million player option for next season, which could make it difficult for the Nuggets to retain the versatile swingman. While Hyland still has two more years remaining on his rookie deal, an anticipation of Brown’s next payday, plus Hyland’s upcoming second contract, has the tax-conscious Nuggets considering their options in the backcourt.
Milwaukee has used Grayson Allen and second-round picks in various outgoing trade packages, sources said, in hopes of landing a defensive-minded forward within the range of $10 million of average annual salary. It seems clear the Bucks are prioritizing starting-level players and have even pursued Rockets wing Eric Gordon, who is far more of a wing than a frontcourt presence, and is owed $19.6 million this season before next year’s completely non-guaranteed salary.