Every NBA season, a team surprises the world. We’re thinking of teams that nobody expected. Perhaps they’ve got a decent roster, but ultimately, they exceed expectations. Could the Indiana Pacers be that team next season?
They’re certainly in the running. There’s a lot of talent in Indiana. Tyrese Haliburton produces at a superstar level. Myles Turner is a player that contenders around the league would love to have. With a deep roster full of young, quality players, the Pacers could be better than advertised next season.
If they are, don’t be surprised if they’re surprise buyers. The small-market Pacers have always preferred to be competitive. If they’re good, we should all expect them to try to get better. Could they do so by acquiring Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G TJ McConnell, F/C Daniel Theis, F/C Jalen Smith, 2025 First-Round Pick (IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: F Jerami Grant
Alternatively, there are always surprisingly weak teams as well. Every year, a team falls short of league-wide expectations. Were the Portland Trail Blazers that team last year?
They shouldn’t have been. The Blazers were the surprise disappointment of 2021-22. Last year, they provided their fans with more of the same. The Blazers have been marred in mediocrity for some time now. Perhaps that’s why Damian Lillard has formally requested a trade.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers & Indiana Pacers Updates
That’s perfectly reasonable. Unfortunately, the Blazers gave Grant an extension before Lillard made his request. Now, the Blazers have a useful veteran on a big contract on their roster – when they ought to be rebuilding. Could they remedy that by sending Grant to the Pacers?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
Perhaps we’re getting ahead of ourselves. The Blazers haven’t even moved Lillard yet. Recently, it’s been reported that they’re in no rush to do so. Meanwhile, Lillard allegedly doesn’t plan on sitting out games if Portland can’t find a taker for him.
Sure. The Blazers have to trade Lillard, right? They just selected Scoot Henderson – he’s clearly their point guard of the future. It’s time for Portland to rebuild. If this front office agrees, they’ll trade Lillard once they get a passable offer. After that, they should look to trade Grant.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers & Indiana Pacers Updates
What should they want for him? Above all else, a first-round pick. The Blazers are getting one here. Meanwhile, taking a flier on Smith makes sense too. He’s a solid combo big who provides some floor spacing and defense. Should the Pacers really part with him?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
By now, it seems obvious that the Pacers are looking for a 4. They’ve been linked to Pascal Siakam, Tobias Harris, Kyle Kuzma, and others. Why not Grant?
He’d be a perfect addition to this roster. Realistically, he’s the most complimentary player out of everyone we just named. Grant is a reliable floor spacer who can guard multiple positions. This is the type of utility player that compliments any team. Grant isn’t just a role player, either. If need be, he can generate his own offense.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers & Indiana Pacers Updates
Think about the Pacers following this deal. Haliburton, Turner, Grant, and Buddy Hield? That’s a playoff core. If young players like Jarace Walker and Benedict Mathurin can be surprise contributors, the Pacers could even make a deep playoff run. If they did, they’d take the entire NBA by surprise.
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