Some NBA teams struggle to attract talent. Typically, we’re looking at small market teams. This isn’t their fault. It’s a simple fact that the best players in the NBA will often prefer to play in the league’s more glamorous destinations.
Historically, this has been a problem for the Charlotte Hornets. They’re just not a big market. Still, all hope is not lost. The Hornets can find talented players – they just have to get creative.
Sometimes, that’s meant overpaying a free agent. That’s how the Hornets landed Gordon Hayward. Now, he’s on an expiring contract.
Could they flip him for Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Charlotte Hornets Land Portland Trail Blazers’ Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, 2024 Second-Round Pick (BOS via CHA), 2026 Second-Round Pick (CHA), 2027 Second-Round Pick (POR or NOP via CHA)
Charlotte Hornets Receive: F Jerami Grant
The Blazers face the same struggles as the Hornets. This small market team can’t always convince star talent to join them.
In recent years, they found a different solution to that problem than the Hornets have. The Blazers had Damian Lillard’s loyalty. That’s an ideal way for a small market team to maintain their relevance.
If they can find just one star player that wants to win with them, the rest of their job gets easier. Still, Lillard’s loyalty would eventually run short. What will Portland do now?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Firstly, they’ll hope that Scoot Henderson develops into a star. Next, they’ll hope that he stays loyal to the organization. Building through the draft is another means for small-market teams to stay relevant – that’s how the Hornets landed LaMelo Ball.
Should they pair him with Grant?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
The Hornets do this deal to bring a talented player onto their roster. Of course, it can’t be that simple. The Hornets can’t just acquire any good player – he has to fit with their roster.
Some will suggest that Grant isn’t an optimal fit. To be sure, the Hornets have ample wing depth. Brandon Miller has had an outstanding rookie year, and Miles Bridges has been effective since his return. Factor P.J. Washington into the equation, and the Hornets’ frontcourt does look a bit crowded.
We’re not concerned. Grant would take Hayward’s spot in the rotation. The Hornets would have premium versatility: Miller can play the 3 or 2, Bridges and Grant can play the 4 or 3, and Washington can play the 4 or 5.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets Updates
This deal should make Charlotte a better team, and it helps them lock up a good player for the foreseeable future.
What does it do for the Blazers?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
If there’s anything unconventional about the Hornets’ logic here, it’s that a losing team doesn’t typically make a win-now trade. Still, they’re on the backend of their rebuilding cycle and trying to improve. That doesn’t apply to the Blazers – they just started rebuilding.
With that in mind, Grant has no place on this roster. The Blazers extended him this summer under the assumption that they’d retain Damian Lillard. Lillard is gone, and now, Grant should be the next to go.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets Updates
In all likelihood, he won’t net them an unprotected first-round pick. His long-term, expensive contract will scare off suitors. So, an expiring contract and three second-round picks should be fair value. After all, the Blazers aren’t ready to try to attract talent – yet.
