The Detroit Pistons are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Normally that’s a cause to become a seller during the trade deadline. Jerami Grant, however, has been exceptional for the team. He’s averaging 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. He’s the main bright spot on the team, although in the past he was never considered a number one option. Perhaps he’s shining as the best player on a bad team, meaning the Pistons may be wise to trade him for assets while his value is high. With all that being said, there’s no diminishing Grant’s game. He’s a fantastic player that can be the difference-maker for a team looking to jump into championship contention.
Three Potential Trade Packages forJerami Grant
Boston Acquires Jerami Grant to Compete with Brooklyn and Philadelphia
The trade: The Pistons send Grant and Wayne Ellington to the Boston Celtics for Tristan Thompson, Grant Williams, Romeo Langford, Aaron Nesmith, and the Celtics’ 2021 first-round pick.
Assets, assets, assets. This trade lands the Pistons a ton of them.
Williams is a promising forward prospect who can become a defensive menace as well as a solid offensive option. Langford has yet to amaze after being a lottery pick, but the young guard still has potential. Having time and patience in Detroit will be a difference-maker for him as he lacks playing time in Boston. Nesmith is similar to Langford in this situation. He is an excellent shooter and could become an elite pair from deep with Saddiq Bey. Thompson is there to make the salaries work, but he can still produce. This trade essentially guarantees number one pick contention for the Pistons in this upcoming draft.
Grant is a huge pick-up for Boston and one that will allow them to truly compete with the top two teams in the East. A line-up of Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Grant, and Daniel Theis is lethal. Not to mention having Marcus Smart coming off the bench.
Ellington is a win-now addition. He’s a proven shooter from deep, which will help Boston immensely. Sure, Nesmith and Langford can offer the same, but the Celtics are in a situation to compete for a championship right now.
Three Team Bonanza
The trade: The Pistons acquire Theo Maledon and two future first-round picks from the Oklahoma City Thunder and Jalen Smith and Jevon Carter from the Phoenix Suns, the Thunder acquire Grant from the Pistons, and the Suns acquire George Hill from the Thunder and Ellington from the Pistons.
Assets are the theme once again for Detroit. Maledon has looked very solid thus far with the Thunder and can pair a nice duo with Killian Hayes in the backcourt. Carter is another backcourt player who brings tough defense. Smith has barely played for the Suns, but he was the 10th pick in the most recent draft. He’ll earn plenty of minutes at both the four and five. Oklahoma City racks up draft picks for moments like these as well.
The Thunder are rebuilding, but have still been competitive. If they can walk into next season with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, and Grant, paired with some strong offseason moves, they’re immediately playoff contenders.
Phoenix does this as they’re ready to compete right now. Hill is a terrific backup point guard, especially coming on for Chris Paul. Ellington adds to the shooting the team has, as well as another veteran presence.
Miami Gets Stronger with Jerami Grant
The trade: The Pistons send Grant and Ellington to the Miami Heat for Andre Iguodala, Precious Achiuwa, Duncan Robinson, and a future first-round pick.
Iguodala is part of this to make the salaries work. If a trade like this occurs, expect Iguodala to be bought out so he can join a contender.
Achiuwa is an up-and-coming prospect who’s already showing positive signs during his rookie year. He’s tough defensively and can become a force offensively as well. Don’t be surprised if he emerges as a double-double player in the future. Robinson is already one of the best shooters in the league, and his age fits the Detroit timeline. As his free agency looms, Detroit will certainly have more than enough cap space to keep him.
Grant makes this Miami team even more terrifying and increases their chances of making the Finals once again. A “death lineup” of Goran Dragic, Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler, Grant, and Bam Adebayo has five great offensive options as well as offering a tough defense. Ellington can help replace Robinson. He’s not as talented, but he can fill the void as a shooter off the bench.
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