Don’t listen to NBA teams at this time of year. They will be blowing smoke. The trade deadline is rapidly approaching. With that in mind, teams are vested in controlling the narrative.
For example, look at the Portland Trail Blazers. Rumors are suggesting that they don’t want to trade Jerami Grant. Right. If teams know they’re desperate to trade Grant, they won’t offer as much for them as they would.
With that said – the Blazers should be looking to trade Grant. He’s on a long-term, expensive contract. This team won’t be contending for some time. If the Blazers could flip him for a younger player, they’d have to take that opportunity.
Could they send him to the Los Angeles Lakers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Los Angeles Lakers Land Portland Trail Blazers’ Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Rui Hachimura, G Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Jerami Grant
With that said, confusion can benefit teams as well. They don’t have to lie overtly. Instead, they can put out conflicting reports. Alternatively, they can stay silent. There are plenty of strategies that allow a team to control the narrative.
What are the Lakers doing? We’re not sure. It’s been reported that they’re looking to make upgrades. It’s also been said that they’re hesitant to part with draft capital. The Lakers would like you to believe that this group can improve on their subpar 2023-24 performance to date.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Why should we believe that? LeBron James is playing at an All-NBA level. Anthony Davis isn’t far off of that mark. Yet, the Lakers are losing. They need a roster upgrade.
Is Grant the right player for this team?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Well, what do the Lakers need? They need depth. There aren’t enough good players in this rotation. The Lakers could boost shot creation – but it shouldn’t come at the expense of their defense.
So, Grant would be a perfect fit. He can create his shot while also spacing the floor. Grant is also a multi-positional defender who ought to thrive alongside Anthony Davis. This feels like the addition that could get the Lakers over the hump.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Is Grant coming at a cost? Sure. Still. His long, expensive contract means the Lakers can likely protect their pick against disaster.
Should the Blazers take a lottery-protected pick back for Grant?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
Trade value can be difficult to evaluate. Grant is a great player, but that’s not the only factor to consider here. His contract is likely to age poorly. Grant should be outside of his prime by the time this deal expires.
Teams aren’t going to give up the farm for him. With that in mind, a lottery protected first should suffice for the Blazers. Moreover, that’s not all that they’re getting in this deal.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Hachimura is only 25. He’s proven to be a solid defensive wing who can create shots at times as well. He could be a rotation player for the Blazers for years to come. This is a good deal for the Blazers – unless they’re really unwilling to move Grant, that is.
