Every team in the NBA has an identity. With that said, some teams can change their identity. Sometimes, that’s for the better, and other times, it isn’t.
Take the Portland Trail Blazers. For a long time, this team has been identified as a spirited, competitive team without real title odds. Recently, they’ve had an identity shift. The Blazers are rebuilding – and in time, they’ll hope to compete for the title.
By contrast, the Sacramento Kings had a poor identity for a long time. They were the team that always missed the playoffs. Last year, they had their identity shift.
Could they continue that transformation by acquiring Jerami Grant from the Blazers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Sacramento Kings Land Portland Trail Blazers’ Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Harrison Barnes, F/C Trey Lyles, G/F Chris Duarte, 2026 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – SAC)
Sacramento Kings Receive: F Jerami Grant
Often, a team’s identity hinges on their best player. The team will go as far as that player can take them. For a long time, Damian Lillard forged the Blazers’ identity.
Yet, one man can only do so much. The Blazers put competitive teams around Lillard, but they seldom felt like real title contenders. Is that Lillard’s fault?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings Updates
We don’t think so. The Blazers weren’t able to get Lillard a suitable co-star. He was loyal to the organization for a long time but eventually requested a trade. That’s how Portland got where they are today.
Should they trade Grant to continue their rebuild?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
When the Blazers extended Grant this summer, they surely expected Lillard to stick around. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have taken this contract on.
Now, they’re stuck with a lucrative deal for a veteran they won’t need for years. So, getting off of his deal is its benefit.
The Blazers won’t receive a fortune for Grant – this contract will be problematic for anyone. With that in mind, a lottery protected first should be enough for them.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings Updates
Duarte is also worth acquiring. He’s young enough to be part of this core, and he’s a solid movement shooter that should complement Portland’s young stars.
Should the Kings give him up?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
In simple terms, Grant is an upgrade over Barnes. That’s the point here. He’s a more dynamic offensive player and a more versatile defender. This deal should make the Kings better.
Sure, it comes at a cost. That’s fine. The Kings don’t have an outstanding collection of assets – they may not be able to make competitive offers for the best players on the market.
This is a way for them to make a big swing on the budget they’re working with. Sure, their depth will take a hit. The Kings can compensate by targeting useful veterans on the buyout marker.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings Updates
They’re getting the best player in this deal, and that’s always the right move for a win-now team. After all, that’s the Kings’ identity now.
