Jerami Grant
Jerami Grant moved to Detroit 2 years ago to take his shot at becoming a star. At the time he was viewed as a high end role player, but he knew that he was more than that. An opportunity in Detroit arose for him to have a larger and more important role on a team.
In two seasons with the Detroit Pistons Jeremi has almost doubled his production in Denver of 12.0ppg, 3.5rpg and 1.2apg. He now averages 21.2ppg, 4.6rpg and 2.7apg while playing stellar defense. Jerami Grant proved he could be a major contributor on a winning team. What makes Jerami a perfect third star is he can score points in a variety of ways. He can slash (career 50.7% 2pt), stretch the floor (career 34.5% 3pt), he has the mobility to be great as cutter and a fast break finisher. Defensively he can guard bigs and perimeter players.
Grant was one of the most commonly talked about names at the trade deadline, over 7 teams inquired about him this season. Here are some playoff contenders that should have traded for Jerami Grant.
Milwaukee Bucks
- Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Jerami Grant
- Detroit Pistons Receive: Brook Lopez, Donte DiVincenzo (or Grayson Allen) , a 2022 1st round pick and a 2023 2nd round pick from Sacramento
The Bucks have struggle all season with their current rotation of bigs. Bobby Portis has been serviceable, but the rest of the roster is either unhealthy or hasn’t produced. When Milwaukee’s big 3 of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday is healthy and playing together they have been unstoppable this season. Adding a player like Grant could change Milwaukee from a championship team to a Dynasty. Jerami has a reasonable $20,000,000 contract through the 2022-2023 season, it wouldn’t break the bank for Milwaukee. He can provide additional scoring, stretch the floor for Giannis and would be a big upgrade as a defender over Portis.
Detroit gets a young versatile guard in Allen or Divincenzo that would pair perfectly with Cade Cunningham. Brook Lopez gives Detroit size, rim protection and ability to stretch the floor. His contract expires at the end of 2023, so it will be easy to flip for an additional pick (especially if he plays well post back injury). The Pistons also get draft capital in the form of a 1st round pick and a 2nd round pick from Sacramento (which is basically a late 1st round pick).
New York Knicks
- New York Knicks Receive: Jerami Grant
- Detroit Pistons Receive: Julius Randle, Miles McBride and two 2nd round picks
The Knicks have regressed this season mainly due to Julius Randle‘s lack of shooting success and defense. He went from a career best 41.1% from 3 to 30.7%. His scoring average is down to 19.3ppg as a result (24.1ppg last year). The Knicks already regret giving Randle a 5yr extension (team option in year 3). Randle has shown that he cannot be the main focal point of an offense.
RJ Barrett is the teams only hope to lure free agents. Barrett has looked like a star in spurts this season, but the Knicks need to officially hand him the keys to the car. With Randle out of the way the Knicks offense can run through Barrett and he can blossom. Grant will optimize the spacing around Barrett and provide a more complimentary skill set. Jerami will excel under Tom Thibodeau with his defensive capabilities. Overall I believe Jerami Grant and RJ Barret make the Knicks a more attractive free agent destination in 2023 than RJ and Randle.
Detroit gets a player in Randle that can be secondary option to Cade. If Detroit can restore Randle’s value next season he can be swapped for multiple picks or young talent. Miles McBride is a talented young player that hasn’t received opportunity to shine in New York. Thibodeau is known for over playing his veterans and keeping the young talent on the bench. McBride has been one of the best players in the G-League this year averaging 31.7ppg, 11.0apg and 7.0rpg. He is doing this while shooting an insane 55.3% from 3 on 9.0 attempts per game. McBride is also a stout defender, Detroit would be an opportunity for him to prove his worth. Detroit also receives two second picks.
Others teams that could have traded for Jeremi Grant
Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers, Indiana Pacers and the Los Angeles’s Lakers all could have traded for Jerami Grant. The Lakers didn’t have the assets to make this move. Utah and Portland are caught between pushing all in for a championship run and possible rebuilds. If these teams were to fail after trading for Grant, they would have no 1st round draft picks to start the rebuild. Ultimately the draft capital wasn’t worth it for those teams. The Pacers made their move for Tyrese Haliburton, but still have plenty of assets left to add Grant. After September 28th Indiana could package Malcolm Brogdon and two 1st round picks for Grant (if he is still in Detroit).
Detroit’s decision
Detroit wanted multiple 1st round picks and a young player in exchange for Grant. The Pistons decided to wait until the offseason to deal him. Now they will know exactly where certain picks lie before they finalize a trade.
