Mavs Trade Idea: Could Dallas Target Jerami Grant if Portland Rebuilds?

If Portland's Damian Lillard decides he wants to play elsewhere this summer, the Mavericks should make a phone call to the Trail Blazers regarding Jerami Grant.

Heading into the offseason, the Dallas Mavericks seem to be one of the top teams to watch as the future success of their franchise may rest on this summer. With the rumored fear of Luka Doncic's unhappiness and the uncertain future of Kyrie Irving, the Mavs have their hands tied this offseason.

In exit interviews following the end of their season, Mavs coach Jason Kidd hinted at significant roster change, saying that “a lot of people won't be back next year.” That's a bold, telling statement fresh off the last game of the season. And yet, it's the statement that needed to be made. 

Another team who may be turning over their roster is the Portland Trail Blazers, who, for the second straight year, disappointed and missed the postseason. Superstar Damian Lillard was shut down with roughly 15 games remaining in the regular season to help bolster Portland's lottery odds. 

For Lillard, who has been endlessly mentioned in speculation across the league about whether this is finally the year he requests a trade, he may just be ready to hang up his Trail Blazers jersey. And if that's the case, there would really be no need in Portland re-signing Jerami Grant, who is set to hit free agency this summer. This is where the Mavericks could swoop in. 

In 63 games this season, Grant averaged 20.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 40 percent from 3-point range. For the Mavericks, Grant would fit in seamlessly as the third-option behind Doncic and Irving while adding a lengthy, versatile defender to their lineup. 

Now, the Mavs couldn't afford to sign Grant outright in free agency, but they could work out a sign-and-trade with the Trail Blazers to gain his services. To make said sign-and-trade work, Dallas would need to send out considerable money along with hoping they keep their top-10 protected pick. Without that pick, this hypothetical is dead in the water unless future picks are involved. 

Grant made just over $20 million this season and looks to be set for a decent raise. Opposing teams can offer up to a four-year, $174 million contract to Grant come the start of free agency, which would deem to be too high of a price for both the Mavericks and likely most teams around the league with cap space as well. 

Let's say in this sign-and-trade scenario, the Mavericks agree to a four-year, $128 million deal with Grant, they could offer the presumed No. 10 pick in this year's draft and the expiring contract of Reggie Bullock along with one of Tim Hardaway Jr. or Davis Bertans, who both have two-years remaining. Or, if Portland is interested, Dallas could potentially work out a double sign-and-trade with Christian Wood going to the Trail Blazers.

Portland would probably want more than one first-rounder and could be hesitant to take back veterans opposed to younger talent, but Nico Harrison and company have to get creative and active this summer to make sure next season isn't yet another dud.

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