Trade Buzz Growing Around Jerami Grant

The Pistons aren't going to contend for anything this year so trading Jerami Grant in order to build for the future is probably in Detroit's best interest.

The NBA Trade Deadline is fast approaching, and the Pistons’ leading scorer is at the forefront of the discussion.

Jerami Grant, who is 27, is a target for several playoff teams according to Shams Charania. While he’s currently sidelined with a thumb injury, he’s expected to be playing again by the end of the month — but that could be for a different team. Grant is in the second year of a three-year deal but there are concerns within the Pistons organization that they won’t be able to re-sign him next offseason. Therefore, the extra year of team control makes Grant’s trade value the highest right now.

Grant was a serviceable role player for much of his career before signing with the Pistons ahead of the 2020-2021 season. Last year, though, he was able to elevate his game to another level — averaging a career high 22.3 points per game and earning the Most Improved Player Award. He’s backed up his performance this year, putting up an average of 20.1 points in 24 games.

While Grant has been a major contributor for the Pistons, the team is still in the midst of a rebuild and the assets Detroit could receive in a trade outweigh the benefits of keeping him on the roster. The chance to acquire more draft picks and young talent to build around Cade Cunningham could be pivotal in the long term.

The Lakers, Knicks, Blazers and Wizards are among the teams that have sought after the scoring wing. A deal with the Lakers could net the Pistons a return of Kendrick Nunn and Talen Horton-Tucker, two younger rotational pieces who are a fraction of the cost of Grant. A potential trade with the Knicks could involve former lottery picks Obi Toppin and Kevin Knox as well as some second-round picks. It would be a solid package for the Pistons, who can add some talented players in need of a change of scenery as well as additional picks.

One dark-horse team to watch is the Chicago Bulls, who currently sit atop the Eastern Conference at 27-11. The Bulls have been rumored to be looking to make an all-in move and that means Patrick Williams — the 4th overall pick in the 2020 draft — could be available. If the Bulls want to make a swing for the fences, the Pistons could capitalize and add another former top-5 pick to its roster.

Shams listed Grant as “one of the most sought-after players this trade season.” Other than Ben Simmons, there may not be a bigger name available for contending teams and the Pistons are sure to take advantage.

With the NBA trade deadline just under a month away, the question is whether they can maximize Grant’s value and strike while the iron is hot.