Trading Jerami Grant difficult, but makes sense for the Detroit Pistons
By Bob Heyrman
Detroit Pistons general manager Troy Weaver has a difficult decision to make in the coming weeks when deciding star forward Jerami Grant‘s future with the organization.
These are the types of decisions that make my stomach churn. When the Detroit Pistons acquired Grant in free agency, I admittingly wasn’t overly thrilled, but Grant quickly exceeded expectations. At the time, I held out hope that the organization would be able to come to terms with Christian Wood on a long-term extension, but he opted to join a loaded Rockets roster in hopes of making a title run. Unfortunately for Wood, the Rockets quickly imploded and traded away James Harden and Russell Westbrook.
Weaver signed Grant to a three-year deal worth $60-million before the start of the 2020-21 season. It’s become a very team-friendly, movable contract.
Grant is currently sidelined for approximately six weeks with a thumb injury but will continue to center every trade rumor surrounding the Detroit Pistons.
Moving Grant may seem ridiculous to some fans, but the organization is clearly prepared to build around the no. 1 overall pick, Cade Cunningham. Adding additional draft capital only enhances Detroit’s opportunity to build a contender over the next couple of seasons.
The Detroit Pistons need to strike while the iron is hot and trade Jerami Grant while his value is at its highest.
There are plenty of rumors about Grant and whether the Detroit Pistons will send him packing; also, the NBA trade machine is out in full force.
Do the Philadelphia 76ers hope to land Grant?
Apparently, 76ers general manager Elton Brand wants a king’s ransom in return for guard Ben Simmons, which begs the question, do the 76ers even want to move the disgruntled star?
Plus, is Simmons someone Weaver would like to add?
He seems like he’d be a good fit starting alongside Cunningham, and Detroit would provide a quiet place in the grand scheme of things for Simmons to work on his craft and ‘get right.’
I bring up the 76ers because they seem like a team that will be looking to add before the playoffs, and Grant would make for a perfect complimentary piece to Joel Embiid.
With a healthy 76ers roster, Grant could be inserted into the starting lineup at the four, playing alongside Embiid, former Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey, and Seth Curry. This move would also allow the corps of Danny Green, who has started 17 games this season, to come off the bench on a regular basis.