NBA contracts are big. If you’re not a fan of the game, you probably think they’re outrageous. We disagree. Players are paid per the income they generate. You should see what the league’s owners make if you think they make too much.
That’s not to say that players can’t be overpaid. Some players earn contracts that don’t match their production. Those players can pose complications for their team moving forward.
Look at Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors. He’s on a problematic contract. The Warriors could look to flip it for a more productive player this summer. How about Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers?
NBA Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G/F Andrew Wiggins, 2026 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: F Jerami Grant
How do players end up overpaid? It’s simple. At one time, most players earned their contracts. Unfortunately, their production may decline over time.
Look at Wiggins. A couple of years ago, he was a key cog in an NBA title run. Wiggins developed into a fantastic 3-and-D wing. Indeed, the Warriors didn’t mind paying him at the time.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors Updates
Now? They may be thinking differently. Wiggins has regressed. Time will tell whether he rounds back into form as 2023-24 wears on. If he doesn’t, should the Warriors move him?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
The Warriors have a lot of decisions to make. Klay Thompson is due for an extension this summer. Their books are getting messy. Shouldn’t they be looking to move Wiggins for cap relief? Grant is on an equally long contract.
We know. He’s also a significantly more productive player. The Warriors have to ask themselves a question this summer. Do we want to contend for another NBA title, or is it time to move on?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors Updates
The team could justify either direction. This deal works if they want to stay competitive. Grant is a more versatile defender than Wiggins and a more reliable shot creator. He’ll make the Warriors a better team. Should the Blazers send him to Golden State?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
When the Blazers hung onto Grant at the deadline, some were surprised. Perhaps this team doesn’t want to be rebuilding for long. Portland doesn’t need to tank – they’re already among the worst teams in the NBA.
That’s fine. This deal doesn’t force them into a tank. If Wiggins returns to form, the Blazers could win this deal by a landslide. He’s a bit younger than Grant and could be a more complementary player for Scoot Henderson as more of an off-ball weapon.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors Updates
Still, the point here is to land a lottery protected first. The Blazers shouldn’t mind taking on bad money as a rebuilding team. Their core players are on rookie contracts. Those are inexpensive – on NBA standards, anyway.
