NBA Trades: 1 trade target for every Southeast Division team

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WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 17: Jerami Grant #9 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball against Jordan Bell #7 of the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on April 17, 2021 in Washington, DC, NBA Trades: 1 trade target for every Southeast Division team. 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

NBA Trades Southeast Division: Washington Wizards – Jerami Grant

Jerami Grant is among the most highly sought-after targets currently on the trade market, and it appears the Washington Wizards are looking to make a run at him.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania (subscription required), Washington is now among the contending teams that have entered the Grant sweepstakes with the deadline less than a month away.

Washington’s interest in Grant is feasible as they are trying to make a playoff push. At 22-20 on the season, they are a play-in team in the Eastern Conference, but someone like Grant could be the needle-mover they need to climb higher in the standings.

The forward has emerged as a perennial star over the past two seasons since signing with the Detroit Pistons by averaging an impressive 21.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game.

His terrific play on both ends of the floor would help the Wizards tremendously and bring another household name into the mix alongside players like Bradley Beal and Spencer Dinwiddie.

On the books for $20 million this season and a similar amount next year, acquiring Grant would be a pricey move for the Wizards. Yet, if they are serious about making a legitimate run at the postseason, they should be active around the trade deadline, and no reasonable target could bolster their chances more than Grant.

It also would not hurt to bring in another All-Star caliber player after Beal’s eye-catching comments on a recent episode of the Posted Up podcast about being non-committal regarding his future in Washington at this time. Adding Grant could prove that the Wizards are looking to improve their chances in the East long-term.