At some point, we’ve all found ourselves in the wrong place. You know the feeling – you don’t belong here. Sometimes, NBA players wind up feeling the same way. They’re in a situation that doesn’t suit them.
Look at Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers. When Portland extended him this summer, it made sense. Grant was a perfect compliment to Damian Lillard coming off of a strong season. So, extending him made sense – until Lillard requested a trade, that is. Now, Grant sticks out like a sore thumb when reviewing the rest of this roster.
The Blazers can’t trade him yet. Grant was recently extended, so he’s subject to trade restrictions. With that in mind, we expect the Blazers to make him available at some point this season. Grant will have a robust market if they do. Could they send him to the Golden State Warriors?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G Chris Paul, G/F Moses Moody, 2026 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: F Jerami Grant, F Nassir Little
Sure, a veteran on a rebuilding team is out of place. The inverse can also be true. A young player on a contender can lose their way. If you don’t believe us, just ask the Golden State Warriors.
For some time, the Warriors have been trying to operate on two timelines. They’ve been in contention, but at the same time, they’ve rostered young players like Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, James Wiseman, and Jordan Poole. How has that worked out?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers & Golden State Warriors Updates
If you’re one of those young players, not too well. The Warriors traded Wiseman for pennies on the dollar. Kuminga is rumored to be looking for a way out of Golden State. Meanwhile, the Warriors only roster Paul because he was a better alternative to the still-developing Poole. Of course, this begs a question: why would the Blazers be interested in Paul?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
Obviously, the Blazers don’t do this deal for Paul. Although, it’s hard to imagine a better mentor for Scoot Henderson. This would be a blow to Paul’s career – we don’t know if this will be his last NBA season. Still, acquiring him is a small benefit for the Blazers.
Acquiring Moody is a larger benefit. He’s looked the part of a jack-of-all-trades during his time in Golden State. Moody is a solid defender who provides some floor spacing and solid connective passing. The Blazers should be happy to add him to their young core.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers & Golden State Warriors Updates
Still, the unprotected first-round pick is the most critical part of this package for the Blazers. The Warriors are aging. It’s entirely possible that they’ll be sending Portland a lottery pick here, or even a mid first-rounder. Should the Warriors take that chance?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Sure. Arguably, the “two timelines” approach hasn’t been working. The Warriors have been successful in spite of that strategy, not because of it. This team has to consider making some win-now moves if they want to walk away from this dynasty with even one more title.
Is Grant the most natural fit? There will be some debate there. To some extent, he positionally overlaps with Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins. That’s Ok. The Warriors would be doubling down on versatile, defensive wings. Lineups featuring Grant at the 4 with Green at the 5 ought to be devastating.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers & Golden State Warriors Updates
If Paul thrives as a Warrior, this may be a moot point. There are fit concerns there – Paul prefers a slow, pick-and-roll dominant attack, whereas the Warriors favor a fast-paced motion offense. With that said, Paul could thrive as a sixth man in Golden State. On the other hand, if he’s not in the right place, look for the Warriors to send him elsewhere.
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