Give Damian Lillard some credit. These days, NBA superstars don’t tend to stick with teams for as long as he stuck with the Portland Trail Blazers. In the end, Lillard’s patience ran out. He requested a trade, and now, he’s a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. 

It’s not all bad for the Blazers. This team just drafted Scoot Henderson. They added him to a young core that already featured plenty of talent. The Blazers are in a pretty good position.

Now, they’ll hope that Henderson grows into the type of player that they can put a contender around. They still have some loose ends to tie up. The Blazers have some useful veterans on their roster that a contender could use.

We’re thinking of teams with a franchise player – teams like the Dallas Mavericks. Could they acquire Jerami Grant from the Blazers? 

NBA Trade Proposal — Dallas Mavericks Land Jerami Grant

Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., G/F Josh Green 

Dallas Mavericks Receive: F Jerami Grant 

These days, star players request trades at will. If a player sticks on a team for a long time, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the arrangement is working out for both sides.

It may mean that the player is difficult to trade. Often, a bad contract is the culprit. Sometimes, a good player can have a bad deal. It’s not that they aren’t productive; they’re overpaid.

The league’s general managers are savvy. They don’t want bad money on their books if they can avoid it. Yet, different players have different values for different teams.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks Updates

For example, look at Grant. Sure, the Blazers overpaid for him, but if he was going to be a complementary piece for Lillard, they could justify it.

Now, they’re stuck with his big deal – and he’s not benefiting them. Should the Mavericks take his contract on? 

Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal 

Dallas may be taking back a questionable contract here. At the same time, they’ll have to make a decision on Green’s contract soon enough. He’s been solid in 2023-24 so far, but in all likelihood, a rebuilding team will make him an offer that a contending team like the Mavericks can’t justify matching. 

Here, they’re avoiding that dilemma. Of course, that’s not all they’re doing – they’re taking on Jerami Grant. Luckily, he’s a perfect addition to this roster.

Grant is a multi-positional defender who can space the floor and occasionally create his own offense. He’ll be a nice addition alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. 

Is taking back his deal optimal? Not necessarily. On the other hand, the Mavericks are getting him without giving up any draft capital here.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks Updates

As Grant’s contract ages, it will be easier to move if necessary. Dallas could use it in a package for a third star if the opportunity arises.

Should the Blazers get Grant’s money off of their books? 

Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal 

The Mavericks may not want to extend Green. By contrast, the Blazers shouldn’t have an issue with his next deal. This team could use some young wing talent. Green is a versatile defender who plays with a lot of energy. 

If he could space the floor, he’d be a long-term starter. That’s OK. Green is young enough to develop his shot. If he starts connecting from long range consistently, he could be a fixture in Portland.

Yet, even if it doesn’t, he could be a long-term rotation player for this team. This deal doesn’t clean Portland’s books up entirely. They’re taking on Hardaway Jr.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks Updates

Still, his deal is much more manageable than Grant’s. Unlike Lillard, he doesn’t seem likely to stick around in Portland for long.