It’s officially overreaction season in the NBA. We all know that the current standings do not reflect a probable outcome for the end of the season. Yet, the temptation to overreact is always present. Have we learned anything about these teams?
For example: are the Portland Trail Blazers better than advertised? This team is enjoying a reasonably competitive season. The Blazers are young, but they’ve got a lot of talent. Could they be done rebuilding already?
We doubt it. Give the Blazers time – in all likelihood, they’ll start losing games. If they’re making a playoff push, who knows? Portland could decide to be buyers at the deadline. On the other hand, if they’re barely in the play-in picture, they may want to make some moves toward the bottom of the standings.
Could they start by sending Jerami Grant to the Golden State Warriors?
NBA Trade Proposal — Golden State Warriors Land Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G/F Klay Thompson, G/F Moses Moody
Golden State Warriors Receive: F Jerami Grant, G Malcolm Brogdon
On the other hand, some teams are exactly who we thought they were. For those teams, we can already draw conclusions. After all, they’re only confirming suspicions that we already had.
Take the Warriors. They’re really good. We already knew that. This team has been among the best in the NBA for years. Sure, Steph Curry could have dramatically fallen off – but that was never likely.
The Warriors are playing at the level that we expected them to play at. Are they in the title picture? Well, that’s no clearer than it was before the season got underway.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors Updates
The Warriors have ample talent, but it does feel like they could use more shot creation alongside Curry. Does this deal help enough?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
We think so. The Warriors are landing two quality shot creators here. There’s no questioning the talent of Grant and Brogdon. Are they each a good fit for this roster?
That’s debatable. There’s no questioning Brogdon’s fit. He’d be a suitable starter alongside Curry, but if the Warriors want to stick with Chris Paul, Brogdon is the reigning Sixth Man of the Year as well. He’s a portable player who can take on any role.
On the other hand, the Warriors could feel that their frontcourt is too crowded to accommodate Grant. He’s worth trying to accommodate. The Warriors could be unstoppable with small ball lines featuring Grant at the four alongside Draymond Green at the five.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors Updates
This move may reduce Jonathan Kuminga’s role, but if the Warriors are contending, they shouldn’t be too concerned with that. This deal should put them in an ideal position to chase another title.
Should the Blazers put them in that position?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
The Blazers don’t have to prolong their rebuild. They could be looking at a timeline that gets them back in the playoffs within a couple of seasons. Sure – but this year, they should concede defeat. This young team doesn’t need to be in win-now mode.
With that in mind, Moody is a perfect acquisition. He’s a young player who’s already prepared to contribute. The Blazers could use a young wing to move forward with.
Moody could be a perfect compliment to their talented young guards as a 3-and-D wing and connective playmaker. Meanwhile, they should be glad to land Thompson’s expiring contract as well.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors Updates
That will give the Blazers some money to play with in restricted free agency next summer. If they like a young player, they could make a run at them – which could give us a clearer idea of who they are.
