It’s been a good 2023-24 NBA season for the Oklahoma City Thunder. As of this writing, they’re on top of the Western Conference. That alone qualifies this season as a success for a young team.
That’s not all that’s going right for the Thunder. They have the most impressive collection of draft capital in the league. If the Thunder wanted to make a major splash this summer, they’d be able to do just that.
Should they? It depends on how the playoffs go. If the Thunder make a title run, they’ll hang onto their young core. If they don’t, could they reunite with Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers?
NBA Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G/F Luguentz Dort, G/F Ousmane Dieng
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: F Jerami Grant
Has it been a good season for the Blazers? That depends on your point of view. The Blazers haven’t been winning a lot of games. That’s perfectly fine.
After all, the Blazers traded Damian Lillard last offseason. This team is in the infancy stages of a rebuild. The Blazers should be maximizing their losses to increase their lottery odds this summer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
So, their decision to hang onto Grant and Malcolm Brogdon at this year’s deadline was confusing for some. It’s possible that Portland doesn’t want to be rebuilding for long. Alternatively, they may not have wanted to sell in a buyer’s market. Could they sell on Grant this summer?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
If Portland wants to tank, Dort isn’t a sensible acquisition. He’s already a good player. That’s fine – Portland can find value for Dort at next year’s deadline. He’s a sturdy 3-and-D on a friendly enough contract.
On the other hand, Dieng is the type of player this team should be targeting. He’s struggled to find a role on a contending Thunder team. Still, he’s got the potential to be the type of versatile two-way wing that this young core is currently missing.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Portland may not want to rebuild for long. They should tank for one more year. The upcoming draft is seen as weak, whereas the 2025 class features Cooper Flagg. Should the Thunder help them land the potential cornerstone talent?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
The Thunder will miss Dort. He’s a good player. He’s also an undersized wing. Meanwhile, the Thunder are otherwise light on tradeable contracts. Dort may have to go.
After all, Grant would be an upgrade. He’s got the size to defend across positions. Grant is also a more proficient offensive player. He’ll make the Thunder a better team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Sure, he’s on an expensive contract. The Thunder have the luxury of rostering several core players on rookie deals. By the time Grant is complicating their books, he’ll be easy to move. Don’t be surprised if the Thunder pick up an NBA championship in the meantime.
