Jerami Grant has long been one of the hottest names on the trade market, and he’s finally on the move.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Portland Trail Blazers have acquired the Detroit Pistons’ forward in exchange for a 2025 first-round pick and a 2022 second-round pick swap.
Here’s all the logistics:
That’s it. And, I know, I can’t believe it either.
To think at one point there was a conversation around whether or not the Bulls should trade Patrick Williams in exchange for Grant at the deadline is absolutely crazy in hindsight. Clearly, Grant’s value wasn’t as high as some wanted to make it out to seem, which makes sense when we consider (1) his down season and (2) he’s up for a potentially hefty payday after this season.
Also, the goal here for Detroit is seemingly to open up even more cap space. By dumping the $20.9 million owed to Grant this upcoming season, they could have an even greater shot at absorbing another big talent via trade or free agency. The Pistons have been one of the teams rumored in the Deandre Ayton sweepstakes, so perhaps this is foreshadowing an aggressive run at the big man.
As for the Chicago Bulls, this is actually a deal that could prove somewhat valuable to them. Let’s not forget they own a future first-round pick from the Trail Blazers thanks to the three-team trade that saw Lauri Markkanen go to the Cavaliers. Not only does the addition of Grant show that Portland plans to be right back in the competitive mix next season, but it surely increases their immediate playoff chances, which means the pick could convey sooner than later. All things considered, that should increase the value of that pick in the current marketplace.
When thinking of other possible Bulls-angles with this trade, I saw a great point made by CHGO’s Will Gottlieb on Twitter:
So the Bulls can’t actually make a trade until they make the pick tomorrow night (NBA’s Stepien Rule prohibits teams from trading back-to-back first-round picks in advance and both 2021 and 2023 belong to Orlando), but I am left surprised by the lack of reported interest in this package considering those recent trades.
If both Christian Wood and Grant – two instant-impact veterans – can be acquired for a measly first-rounder, shouldn’t a package with a 22-year-old former-lottery pick and the current No. 18 pick have a decent value? Perhaps it does and Karnisovas is holding a deal close to his vest. I guess we’ll find out tomorrow night, right?
More on a potential trade below: