As the trade deadline gets nearer, the Detroit Pistons continue to get calls about possible Jerami Grant trades.
I’ve said many times that the Pistons have all of the leverage here, as they have no real need to trade Grant at all, though with so many teams reportedly after him, his value may be at its peak.
I also like the idea of just signing Grant long-term, as he wants to be in Detroit and has been a valuable player who is clearly outplaying his team-friendly contract.
I’ve thrown a few ideas out there myself, mostly in response to speculation and recently Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press did the same.
I should first say that I am a big fan of Omari’s work and if you aren’t reading him, you should. But in this case I don’t agree with most of these proposed trades, as I don’t see how they really move the needle for the Detroit Pistons.
Only one of them really works for me, but let’s take a quick look.
Only 1 proposed Jerami Grant grade really works for the Detroit Pistons
Atlanta Hawks
Grant and Josh Jackson to Atlanta Hawks for Onyeka Okongwu and Danilo Gallinari
This one doesn’t do much for me, as Okongwu is unproven and isn’t really the rim protector the Pistons need. They already have one undersized center in Isaiah Stewart, so I don’t see how another one helps.
Gallinari looks to be in decline and the Pistons would most likely buy him out next season since his contract is only partially guaranteed. They would pick up some cap space, but I don’t see this one making them much better and it doesn’t include a draft pick, so I would pass.
Sacramento Kings
Grant to Sacramento Kings for Buddy Hield and 2022 first-round pick
This one is definitely a little more intriguing, as Hield provides a skill the Pistons desperately need (shooting) and they would nab a first-round pick, which they need.
But is Hield really going to move the needle for the Pistons? He doesn’t defend, and is not on the “timeline” fans are always talking about, though I think that is mostly nonsense, as good teams rarely only have guys who are the same age.
My biggest problem with this one is that Hield has been disgruntled for most of his career in Sacramento and he’d be coming to another bad team in Detroit. Jerami Grant actually wants to be in Detroit, and count me as someone who would rather have a player who chose us.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Grant and Cory Joseph to Minnesota Timberwolves for Taurean Prince, Malik Beasley, Jaden McDaniels and 2022 first-round pick
Two middling players in Beasley and McDaniels don’t really move me, Prince is salary filler and that pick could be in the 20’s depending on where the ‘Wolves end up. If the Pistons do trade Grant, I would prefer they get at least one player back that has All-Star potential, and none of these guys do.
Beasley’s shooting has regressed and McDaniels has the same problem as Okongwu, as he is not a rim protector and can’t shoot. Hard pass on this one.
Chicago Bulls
Pistons trade Jerami Grant to Chicago Bulls for Patrick Williams and Derrick Jones Jr.
To me, this the only trade in the article that makes sense. I have seen a lot of versions of this, some with the Bulls also sending back a first-round pick, though I can’t see the Pistons getting Williams AND a pick from Chicago.
Williams is a guy who does have All-Star potential, and even though he’ll be coming off a serious injury, is the type of player I’d want them to get in return for Grant if they are going to trade him.
He gives the Pistons some of the athleticism they lack and his best days are definitely in front of him.
I am starting to lean towards not trading Jerami Grant at all, as most of the deals I’ve seen don’t represent the type of “can’t miss” return the Detroit Pistons need to get.
I am sure Troy Weaver has other things in mind as well, so I wouldn’t rule out a trade by any means, but if the return isn’t a clear win for the Pistons it will be easy to say no.