No team has dominated NBA discourse like the Portland Trail Blazers during the offseason. This team traded Damian Lillard. As fans, we waited for that moment for some time. In the process, we talked about the Blazers – a lot.
With that said, there was no shortage of discussion about the Memphis Grizzlies either. Both of these teams made major changes but with different motivations. The Grizzlies made moves to improve their culture. This team is still trying to win now. On the other hand, the Trail Blazers are looking at a long-term rebuilding process.
It’s already going well. Portland has plenty of quality young talent on their roster. Yet, they’ve got some loose ends to tie up. The Blazers should be looking to trade veterans like Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon as the season wears on.
Could they send Grant to the Grizzlies?
NBA Trade Proposal — Memphis Grizzlies Land Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G/F Luke Kenner, F/C Brandon Clarke, G/F Ziaire Williams
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: F Jerami Grant
Realistically, the Grizzlies are trying to avoid the same fate as the Blazers. This team is built around a superstar point guard. They’d like to put a title contender around him. At the same, Ja Morant isn’t necessarily Damian Lillard, either.
We don’t recall Lillard starting out a season by serving a suspension. If anything, he’s always had a reputation for being a consummate professional. The Grizzlies have got to be concerned about Morant’s off-court behavior.
On the other hand, they can only be so concerned. Morant is too talented to give up on. The Grizzlies have got to make this work. Otherwise, the competition will pass them by.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Look at the Blazers. Scoot Henderson bears plenty of resemblance to Morant. If he hits his ceiling, the Blazers may be a serious threat to Memphis before long.
Does this deal help the Grizzlies fend them off?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do This Deal
Well, it certainly makes them a better team. Grant is a multipositional defensive forward. Offensively, he can create his own shot, and he’s a reliable floor spacer as well. This is a good, borderline All-Star player. The Grizzlies will improve after adding him.
With that said, this isn’t a foolproof decision. Grant is very good. He might be overpaid anyway. The Blazers offered him a large, long-term extension this summer. Some have suggested that they could even struggle to move his contract. Should the Grizzlies take it on?
We think so. Building a contender is expensive. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have the luxury of a young core. Most of their key players will be on max rookie extensions in a few years.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
That gives Memphis some wiggle room to take on bloated contracts. Grant’s would be as good as any they can add without surrendering significant assets.
Should the Blazers send him to them?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do This Deal
For the Blazers, this is mostly about Williams. This team has plenty of star upside in their backcourt between Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons. They’ve got two potential big men of the future in Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III.
On the other hand, they’re lacking young wing depth. Yet, Clarke is a sensible addition as well. Sure, the Blazers have two potential long-term starting big men. Clarke is versatile enough, and enough of a floor spacer, to play with either.
If Portland eventually moves one of Ayton or Williams III, Clarke could be an especially valuable reserve as a combo big. Finally, the Blazers have shown that they’re comfortable acquiring players only to quickly move them.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
That’s likely what would happen with Kennard. Still, as a strong movement shooter, he should net them some value – even if the return doesn’t get the world talking.
