3-Way NBA Trade Sends Kemp to Portland

P O R T L A N D, Ore., Aug. 30 -- Portland, Cleveland and Miami completed afive-player deal today, with the Trail Blazers sending powerforward Brian Grant to the Heat and getting Shawn Kemp.

The trade was to be announced by the Cavaliers and Blazers at alate news conferences, but Grant’s agent, MarkBartelstein, confirmed it during a conference call.

“Brian wanted to make sure he was playing for a team that had achance to win a championship, a team where he would play a majorrole and he would be the starting power forward, with a great coachand a terrific city,” Bartelstein said. “Miami has all thatcovered and more.”

Terms of the Deal

Under terms of the deal, which has been known for weeks butfinally met league approval today, Grant signed a newseven-year, $86 million deal with the Blazers. In exchange forGrant, the Heat sent Chris Gatling and Clarence Weatherspoon, alongwith a first-round draft choice and cash, to the Cavaliers.

The Blazers get Kemp, whose weight problems, bloated contractand surly attitude have made him unwelcome in Cleveland. Kemp, whoplayed for the Seattle SuperSonics when Blazers general manager BobWhitsitt was there, is due to make $71 million in the next fourseasons.

Cleveland also gets Portland’s 36-year-old backup point guard,Gary Grant, who almost certainly will be cut.

Brian Grant was slowed by knee and foot injuries last season,and he averaged career lows of 21 minutes, 7.3 points and 5.5rebounds. Grant, one of the league’s most emotional players andfiercest rebounders, also was frustrated by giving up the spotlightto Rasheed Wallace, who had a breakout season playing the sameposition.

“He’s got a lot to prove, and he’s looking forward to provingit,” Bartelstein said. “He’s got a lot of pride, and it hurt himto go through what he went through last season.”

Miami’s Hot Front Line

Grant had been courted by the New York Knicks and Cleveland, butMiami could offer the kind of raise he was looking for. He madeabout $7.7 million with the Blazers last season. The Los AngelesLakers also were interested, but the most they could afford was the$2.25 million exception.