As a rule, a rebuilding NBA team will look to trade veterans. That’s how the market is set. Contending teams need veterans. On the other hand, rebuilding teams need assets.
The Portland Trail Blazers seemingly know the rules. When they acquired Jrue Holiday last summer, they confused people. The Blazers are rebuilding – why are they acquiring a veteran? Portland would clear up any confusion shortly by trading Holiday for more assets.
Yet, this team still has veterans. They received Malcolm Brogdon as part of that deal. The Blazers also still roster Jerami Grant. In all likelihood, they’ll shop them both as the trade deadline approaches. Here are three teams that we think should look at Grant.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers have been linked to 4s all year. That makes sense. This is a hole in this team’s rotation. Obi Toppin is a reserve. Jarace Walker has ample potential, but as a rookie, he isn’t ready yet.
Grant is ready. He’s a seasoned veteran. He’s also exactly the type of player the Pacers need. Grant is a multi-positional defender who can create his own shot when asked to do so. He’d be a perfect addition to this roster.
There’s also an easy path to moving him. The Pacers could entice Portland with Buddy Hield’s expiring contract and some assets. With that said, the Pacers could also feel like they don’t want to take on Grant’s long-term deal at the cost of Hield’s salary relief. Is there a team who’d be willing to take on Grant’s money?
Los Angeles Lakers
The Pacers have a positional need for Grant. On the other hand, the Lakers simply need an injection of talent. This team’s rotation gets shallow after LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
With that said Grant is an optimal fit alongside either. Realistically, he’s the type of player who should complement any roster. Grant’s versatile skillset makes him among the most portable shot creators in the NBA.
So, the Lakers should be interested in him. Any contender should be. If anyone is scared off by Grant, it will be due to the financial commitment. Is there another team who should be willing to make that commitment?
Dallas Mavericks
Grant can play alongside a playmaker like James. Therefore, he can play alongside a playmaker like Luka Doncic. In fact, the Mavericks would have a lot of the same reasons to acquire Grant as the Lakers would.
This team needs depth. The Mavericks could also use a wing defender. Grant offers both. In theory, he should be an ideal third offensive option alongside Doncic and Irving.
Moreover, the Mavericks have enough to get a deal done. In all likelihood, they’ll start with Richaun Holmes’ dead money. From there, the Mavericks could package Maxi Kleber with some draft capital, or move the young Josh Green and hang onto more assets. After all, the rebuilding Blazers should be interested in either.
