When an NBA team makes a big addition, fans expect them to hold onto that player. It doesn’t always go that way. Sometimes, a player’s time on a team is short-lived. In the NBA, circumstances can change quickly.
At the moment, the circumstances in Portland are changing rapidly. Damian Lillard has requested a trade. This presents the Portland Trail Blazers with a problem. The organization extended Jerami Grant this summer. Presumably, they expected to pair him with Lillard. Now, Grant is a prime candidate to get moved.
If Portland agrees, they’ll find plenty of suitors. Grant is a dynamic two-way wing who can create his own shot and defend multiple positions. Any contender would be happy to add him. How about the Dallas Mavericks?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Grant Williams, C Richaun Holmes
Dallas Mavericks Receive: F Jerami Grant
Of course, players can’t leave teams too quickly. There are rules in place. When a player extends or trades for a player, they’re subject to restrictions. At the moment, Williams and Grant are both ineligible to be moved.
With that in mind, this deal may be pure fantasy. Dallas may not be motivated to make this move. Suppose they’re on fire leading up to the deadline. Why would they move Williams for a similar, older player? Dallas would likely prefer to hang onto the younger Williams. He could be part of a major trade down the line. Alternatively, he could simply develop into a more impactful player.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Meanwhile, the small-market Blazers don’t typically like to tank. If they’re outperforming expectations leading up to the deadline, they may not want to downgrade their roster. Should they?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
In all likelihood, yes. Suppose the Blazers are flirting with .500 leading up to the deadline. That would be an extremely optimistic projection if they move Lillard. Even then – what’s the end goal? The Blazers won’t be competing for an NBA title any time soon. They ought to plan for the future unless they’re inexplicably making a playoff push.
Still, Portland doesn’t need to move Grant for a bad contract and a first-round pick. If they want to add an impactful player, they could justify that decision. That’s all Portland is doing here. They’re adding a solid player who’s closer to the timeline of Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers & Dallas Mavericks Updates
After all, Williams is the tough 3-and-D wing that this team’s core is missing. He may not help them win games now, but he will help them later. Should the Mavericks really move him for Grant?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
Sure. Grant is a better player than Williams. He’s a superior ball-handler, which allows him to create offense in half-court sets. The Mavericks aren’t simply acquiring a role player here. In all likelihood, they’re acquiring their third option.
They shouldn’t mind parting with Holmes, either. Dallas doesn’t have a lot of talent at the 5 spot, but they do have depth. In all likelihood, Holmes won’t be outperforming Dwight Powell or even Derrick Lively III to such an extent that Dallas deems him untouchable.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Again – if the Mavericks are rolling, they’ll pass on this deal. With that said, there’s a possibility that Dallas’ offense is going to lack variety next season. After Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, this team doesn’t have a lot of self-creators. This deal has them landing one – even if it means Williams’ time in Dallas is short-lived.
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