NBA Trades: 5 veterans that contending teams should target

By Dan Bennett | Nov 27, 2021

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 09: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic reacts in the second quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 09, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

2 of 5

Jerami Grant #9 of the Detroit Pistons looks on before shooting a free throw against the Sacramento Kings (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

NBA Trades: 5 veterans that contending teams should target – Jerami Grant

Jerami Grant surprised a lot of people with his decision to leave the Denver Nuggets last season, but it was a move that, individually at least, paid off.

Grant averaged 22.3 points per game on a poor Detroit Pistons team last year and, could have easily made the NBA All-Star game. His offensive growth alongside his already solid reputation as a defender established him as a top two-way talent in the league.

But with the franchise firmly in rebuild mode and the focus on whether Cade Cunningham can be the man to lift a long underperforming team out of its slump, the question must be asked as to whether there is really a place for Grant in Detroit moving forward.

His numbers are down this season to 19 points per game while shooting 40.4 percent from the field. However, his dominant 36-point performance against the Los Angeles Lakers was a sign that Grant is getting back to last season’s levels.

A lot of teams contending for a postseason spot would love Grant – a versatile wing defender that can score in a number of different ways.

The issue is that he has now established himself as someone who is above the level of a role player, as he was in Denver. He would require a significant role and salary commitment at $20m. However, Grant would make for the perfect third guy on a team with two already proven stars.

POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS: Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics