Detroit Pistons
Depth, defensive ability, and size – three aspects that the Los Angeles Lakers need and could get from the Detroit Pistons.
Jerami Grant is in the second year of a three-year deal he signed with the Pistons. Even with an extension, the Lakers would save a lot of cap space by trading Russell Westbrook.
The Detroit Pistons could do the same by moving Grant and flipping Westbrook. Similar to the deal with Portland, Detroit could get a pick or two in return. Grant has created exceptional value as a scorer during his time in Detroit.
Grant is one of the best ‘3-and-D’ players in the league. He has shown that he can be the focal point of an offense and would have plenty of room to work in Los Angeles. He brings great length and versatility which would help defensively. The attraction to Grant is high and Los Angeles could find another veteran in the deal, such as Kelly Olynyk.
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As for the Detroit Pistons, they could place Westbrook next to Cade Cunningham. This is a city where Westbrook would not feel as much pressure and can play his game.
Even if it is a short-term marriage, the Detroit Pistons would benefit from draft capital and getting Grant off the books. He is a win-now player and that is not the vibe in Detroit.
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The dark-horse teams interested in Russell Westbrook could be others looking to dump big names with high price tags. It will not be an easy sell but this is the route that the Lakers should be taking.
