5 notable trade targets for Portland Trail Blazers to pair with Damian Lillard

5 noteworthy trade targets for Portland Trail Blazers to pair with Damian Lillard: Jerami Grant

There was trade buzz surrounding Jerami Grant and the Blazers all throughout last season, and it looks like it will resurface once again this offseason. According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, Grant is reportedly atop Portland’s wishlist, and that is largely due to the relationship that he has with Damian Lillard.

The two players have allegedly developed a relationship dating back to their days on Team USA, and Fischer notes that they have an interest in playing together. If so, the Blazers must do what they can to get Grant to Portland for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, Grant would bring a reputable defender into the mix, something that this team could desperately use. At 6-foot-8 and 210 lbs, Grant is a versatile player that can defend a handful of different positions at a high level, and he would immediately improve Portland’s defensive efforts.

On the other side of the basketball, the 28-year-old would bring an added scoring punch, as he has averaged 20.9 points per game over the past two years. Due to his reputable two-way play, Grant would be an ideal pairing alongside Lillard, and the friendship between the two makes the fit even better for Portland.

Currently, Grant has one year left on his contract and will make just under $21 million next season. To acquire the versatile forward and his expiring salary, the Detroit Pistons are reportedly looking for two first-round picks or one first-rounder and a young player, as noted in a separate report by Fischer.

Though that may seem like a stiff asking price, the Blazers should be more than willing to meet it. Not only would they be adding a solid player like Grant in a trade, but they would also be rewarding Lillard by bringing in a player that he reportedly would like to play alongside.