Nobody likes a quitter. On the other hand, nobody likes stubbornness, either. At times, you need to know when to waive the white flag. That even extends to NBA teams.
For example, it’s time for the Portland Trail Blazers to concede reality: they need to rebuild. At this point, the writing is on the wall. Damian Lillard needs to be traded. Even writing this piece is risky. It’s entirely possible that Lillard will be moved before it’s edited and online.
On the other hand, the Blazers won’t trade Jerami Grant in that timeline. They can’t. The Blazers just extended Grant this summer, so they can’t move him until closer to the deadline. With that said, when the team acquired Grant, they surely assumed they’d be hanging onto Lillard. Now, we can expect them to shop the veteran forward this season. Could they send him to the Atlanta Hawks?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G/F Bogdan Bogdanovic, F/C Onyeka Onkongwu
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F Jerami Grant
It may be time for the Blazers to quit. What about the Hawks? We wouldn’t be the first publication to suggest that the Hawks should rebuild. At the same time, we wouldn’t be the first to suggest that they shouldn’t rebuild, either.
Yes, the Hawks had a disappointing 2022-23 season. Moreover, there are reasons to question the fit between Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Murray is a subpar shooter, which makes him a difficult player to pair with Young. Murray doesn’t offer much when he doesn’t have the ball.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Should the Hawks give up? Frankly, we don’t think so. This roster is young. They just hired a new head coach. The Hawks should at least make another playoff push in 2023-24. If it doesn’t work out, they can evaluate their position next summer. Would acquiring Grant increase their likelihood of success?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
So, the fit between Young and Murray may be imperfect. As two ball-dominant point guards, there was a bit of a “your turn, my turn” dynamic between the pair next year. How can the Hawks mitigate those issues?
Well, they could start by putting the best, most fitting supporting cast around the duo that they can. The more floor spacing and defense that these two have around them, the better. That’s why they’re adding Grant here. He’s a multi-positional defender who can space the floor for the Hawks’ dual playmakers.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers & Atlanta Hawks Updates
At the same time, Grant can create his own shot as well. Realistically, he’d be the third option on this team – and the Hawks could use a third option. Meanwhile, the Hawks are moving off of a potentially bad contract and their backup center to acquire Grant. Should the Blazers accept that offer?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
That’s a bit misleading. Onkongwu isn’t merely “a backup center”. He’s a recent lottery pick with plenty of potential. He’s just not likely to reach it in Atlanta – Onkongwu has been stuck behind Clint Capela for years, and that isn’t likely to change any time soon.
In that sense, the Blazers are flipping Grant for Onkongwu here. That’s a great deal for them. On the other hand, Bogdanovic’s contract could actually be valuable for them. A contender who needs a scoring punch in their second unit could be happy to eventually send the Blazers some draft capital for his services.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Still, Onkongwu is the highlight. He’s a multi-positional defender in his own right, and he can defend the rim. Meanwhile, the Blazers have plenty of young talent to move forward with, but they could use a young big man. After all, they’re about to call it quits on the Damian Lillard era – who could blame them?
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