The Detroit Pistons have become arguably the main organization around the NBA to watch as the February 10 trade continues approaches. Jerami Grant is viewed as the most attainable trade target that can be a difference-maker for a team with contending aspirations.
One team that has recently been linked as a potential suitor for Grant has been the Dallas Mavericks, who currently find themselves fifth in the Western Conference standings.
There is a thought from some around the NBA that a trade may be necessary for them to navigate their soon-to-be free agents in Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith.
Brunson and Finney-Smith are each set to reach unrestricted free agency in the offseason. Brunson, who was a second round pick, has strongly outplayed his draft status and since he wasn’t a first-round pick, the Mavericks do not have the luxury of benefiting from restricted free agency.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Latest Intel & NBA Trade Rumors: Mavs, Grant, Pacers, Kings, More
With Brunson and Finney-Smith set to earn real pay increases in the offseason, there is some thought that either one of those players could be moved via trade for the Dallas Mavericks to avoid paying the luxury tax. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, that’s the thought from ‘a lot of executives.’
A lot of executives around the league expect either Dorian Finney-Smith or Jalen Brunson to possibly be on the move by the trade deadline, since it will be tough for Dallas to keep both those players going forward and avoid the luxury tax.
One of the potential scenarios that Scotto floated was a deal with the Detroit Pistons involving Jalen Brunson given he has ‘admirers’ in their front office. If the Mavericks were able to get ‘in the mix’ for Jerami Grant, it could involve Brunson or Dorian Finney-Smith in a trade package to get a deal done.
I’ve heard Jalen Brunson has some admirers in Detroit. If Dallas is able to enter the mix for Jerami Grant and acquire him, don’t be surprised if either Brunson or Finney-Smith is involved in a trade package.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Latest Intel & NBA Trade Rumors: Mavs, Grant, Pacers, Kings, More
The idea of the Mavericks making a splash move at the NBA trade deadline is an intriguing one. Assuming he is open to the idea of being a still prominent but secondary option, Jerami Grant could bring an intriguing wing presence alongside Luka Doncic.
The Dallas Mavericks now take pride in their defense but could use a stout wing that can switch and guard multiple positions to the level of Grant. He would man the four spot alongside Kristaps Porzingis in the frontcourt.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Latest Intel & NBA Trade Rumors: Mavs, Grant, Pacers, Kings, More
As for the Detroit Pistons, paying a 25-year-old, undersized guard that doesn’t have a track record of being much of a playoff performer doesn’t seem to be the best course of action. Cade Cunningham needs complements around him that mesh well and can grow to a higher ceiling.
Another layer to take into consideration is the thought of the Detroit Pistons just waiting until free agency and then using cap space to try and pry away Jalen Brunson without having to give up Jerami Grant in a trade for him. Why not move Grant for a different return then leverage cap space?
