Every team in the NBA has to build their roster. Contending teams need to ensure that their roster makes sense right now. Still, even rebuilding teams need to consider whether the roster they’re building makes sense.
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ roster construction is a little bit funky. This team starts a pair of big men with a small backcourt. This team’s roster has potential, but they could tie it together by acquiring a two-way wing.
Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers don’t need to put a suitable roster together – yet. Still, this rebuilding team could start thinking about how their group fits. They could also use a wing, but the Blazers ought to target a younger one.
Could they acquire one by sending Jerami Grant to the Cavaliers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Cleveland Cavaliers Land Portland Trail Blazers’ Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G/F Caris LeVert, G/F Isaac Okoro, C Damian Jones
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F Jerami Grant
Roster construction is important. It doesn’t trump talent. If you don’t have enough talent, you’re not likely to make a deep playoff run – even if your roster is perfect.
The Trail Blazers should know this. They had one of the most talented players in the NBA on their roster for years in Damian Lillard. In the end, they could not put enough talent around him, which cost them their franchise player.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
On the other hand, the Cavaliers have got the talent. Donovan Mitchell is one of the best offensive guards in the league. Evan Mobley has franchise player potential. Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen are fringe stars as well.
Does Jerami Grant complete the puzzle for Cleveland?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
The Cavaliers may have bigger problems. Donovan Mitchell’s departure feels like a foregone conclusion. He’s been in trade rumors practically since he joined the team.
Still, he’s on the roster. One might assume that Mitchell could be persuaded to stay if the Cavaliers made a deep playoff run. If so, this deal ought to suit them. After all, Grant can help the Cavaliers make a deep playoff run.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
He’s everything that the Cavaliers are missing. Grant can guard multiple positions and create shots. The Cavaliers will have a perfectly constructed roster following this deal.
Should the Blazers help them put that roster together?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
The Cavaliers are trying to hang onto Mitchell. On the other hand, Lillard has long left the Blazers. This team is rebuilding. When they gave Grant this contract, that was not the case.
So, moving him now makes sense. The Blazers would probably prefer a stronger return than this one in exchange for Grant. In a vacuum, his production is worth more. Unfortunately, that long-term extension is likely to keep his value down to some extent.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
With that in mind, flipping him for Okoro makes sense. Moreover, the Blazers could likely move LeVert this summer to a team in need of scoring. Either way, acquiring a young wing like Okoro would help the Blazers assemble a sensible roster,
