Northwest Division NBA trades: Portland Trail Blazers – Jerami Grant
The Portland Trail Blazers have been bombarded with injuries this season, and they are in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in eight years as a result. Still, it appears that rather than rebuilding, they want to stay competitive. One rumor that backs this notion is that the Blazers are reportedly interested in Jerami Grant, according to B/R’s Jake Fischer.
Grant is arguably the biggest prize on the trade market right now. The forward has emerged as a potential All-Star over the past two seasons with the Detroit Pistons, averaging 21.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks per contest.
He would be the perfect third fiddle offensively on a team with Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, but the Blazers could truly use his defense. According to NBA.com/stats, Portland has the 29th ranked defensive rating in the league this year, and while Grant would not fix their issues outright he would undeniably help.
If Grant is indeed available, the Blazers’ interest is justifiable. To get him, they would have to take on his $20 million salary for this season and his $20.1 million for next season, which could make things difficult financially. Yet, as Portland attempts to keep their franchise star, Damian Lillard, happy, making a move for Grant could be the answer, and they should make a strong push to do so.
Despite the multitude of injuries, the Blazers are currently clinging to 10th seed in the West, which would have them in the play-in. With Lillard and McCollum both coming back from injuries, adding Grant could be the ultimate missing piece to getting back on track.