More than ever, the NBA is a wing’s league. Don’t get us wrong: teams get value at every position. Still, a look at most of the league’s best teams reveals a common thread. That thread is a platoon of versatile defensive wings.
Last season, the Cleveland Cavaliers were lacking in that area. Between Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, they had one of the best big-man duos in the NBA. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland were among the league’s most talented backcourts. Yet, this team was sorely lacking reliable wings.
This summer, the Cavaliers have taken steps to mitigate that issue. Max Struss was a nice addition, as was Georges Niang. Still, Struss is on the smaller size for a wing, and Niang is more of a shooter than a defender. Could the Cavaliers acquire Jerami Grant from the Portland Trail Blazers to address their lack of wing depth?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G/F Max Struss, G/F Isaac Okoro, G Ricky Rubio, 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – CLE)
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F Jerami Grant
Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers know all about the importance of wings. They’ve been lacking them for years, and now, they’re paying the price.
Perhaps that’s why, before Damian Lillard requested a trade, the Blazers were linked to every good wing under the sun. This team was widely expected to trade the third overall pick for a star wing. Pascal Siakam was on the table. So was Mikal Bridges. In the end, the Blazers kept their pick and selected Scoot Henderson.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Who could blame them? With that said, their decision seemed to spell the end of Lillard’s long tenure with the organization. At this point, the Blazers are rebuilding, and Lillard wants to contend. The Blazers may regret offering Grant a long-term extension as a result. Is this a good way to get off of it?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
It’s a little difficult to put a trade value on Grant. He’s an excellent player. On the other hand, he’s on a long-term contract that he may not live up to. Some teams will be scared off by the sticker price.
With that in mind, this feels like a good return. Arguably, it’s highlighted by Okoro. He’s struggled in the NBA so far. Okoro is a woefully inconsistent shooter. With that said, he’s still young. If Okoro can start to connect from distance on a routine basis, he could be exactly the type of 3-and-D wing we’ve been referring to throughout this article.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Meanwhile, this pick swap is valuable too. Even in NBA terms, 2030 is a long way away. By that time, who knows where Cleveland will be? It’s heavily rumored that Donovan Mitchell wants out. if the Cavaliers are rebuilding, and the Blazers have ascended, this pick could convey. Should the Cavaliers take that risk?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
Partially, that depends on the Cavaliers’ internal view of their situation. Are they really at risk of losing Mitchell? How substantial is that risk? If it’s significant enough, perhaps they should pass on this deal.
On the other hand, the Cavaliers may feel that they’ve got a shot at retaining Mitchell if they’re contending. In that event, they’d have to consider this offer. It doesn’t just make them contenders – it practically makes them a super team.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Imagine a starting lineup of Garland, Mitchell, Grant, Mobley, and Allen. That’s five players who would start on almost any team in the league. Two of them are All-Stars, and Mobley is likely to join his backcourt teammates in that category soon. This team might just be a wing away from serious title contention – and Grant might just be that wing.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
