For teams looking to win an NBA title, talent comes first. If you don’t have one of the best players in the NBA, you probably aren’t in the running. So, you’re on your way if you do have such a player.
With that said, there are other meaningful steps. Having a franchise player isn’t enough. A smart general manager knows they must put the right group around that player. Do the Dallas Mavericks have the right group around Luka Doncic?
It’s hard to say. Kyrie Irving is certainly an acceptable second star. Otherwise, this roster has some holes. The Mavericks could use a third option, and they could use a defensive wing.
Could they aim to get both in one player by acquiring Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Dallas Mavericks Land Portland Trail Blazers’ Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: C Richaun Holmes, F Grant Williams, F Olivier Maxence-Prosper, 2027 First-Round Pick (DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: F Jerami Grant
The recent Blazers’ history can tell us a lot about team building. Damian Lillard has been one of the best offensive players in the NBA for a long time. The Blazers couldn’t win a title with him anyway – eventually, they’d send him to the Milwaukee Bucks.
What happened? There are several explanations. Some will say that the Blazers didn’t put the right group around Lillard. There’s some merit in that argument.
The best Blazers teams we saw around Lillard had him sharing a backcourt with CJ McCollum. As potent as that group was on offense, they gave up a lot of points on the other end with their small backcourt.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks Updates
On the other hand, if Portland had invested in an elite two-way wing, they may have offset those problems. Still, it’s possible that the Blazers simply couldn’t attract talent.
Either way, Lillard is gone, and Portland is rebuilding. Should they move Grant next?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
Some Blazers fans will want more than this for Grant. Let us give you a dose of reality. Grant is on a long-term, expensive contract extension. If the Blazers can get anything for him, they should count themselves lucky.
More than anything, they do this deal for Olivier Maxence-Prosper. We haven’t seen much of the rookie on the contending Mavericks, but in theory, this is precisely the type of player the Blazers’ young core needs. He could be the type of defensive wing that can grow with this roster moving forward.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Otherwise, Holmes is on an expiring contract. Williams isn’t, but his deal is much more affordable than Grant’s. Should the Mavericks take on Grant’s money?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
The Mavericks’ books would be messy following this deal. They’d effectively commit to a core group featuring Doncic, Irving, Grant, and Dereck Lively II. At the same time – that’s an excellent core.
Moreover, Derrick Lively III looks to be ahead of schedule. The Mavericks could get their starting big man on a rookie contract for the next few years. That makes Grant more affordable. Besides, he’s exactly the type of player that Dallas needs.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Grant is a credible third option. He’s also a versatile defensive wing. He can space the floor and create his own shot. This could be the missing piece that helps the Mavericks contend for an NBA title. After all, they’ve already got the most important piece.
