Will the Detroit Pistons trade Jerami Grant ahead of the Trade Deadline?

We’re getting down to the nitty-gritty now as Thursday’s NBA Trade Deadline vastly approaches. It begs the question, will the Detroit Pistons be trading forward Jerami Grant?

That’s the million-dollar question.

Here’s the thing; Grant’s name has been thrown around nationally nearly as much as Ben Simmons regarding the NBA Trade Deadline. Usually, when these big-time players find themselves at the forefront of these types of conversations, it seems like, more times than not, said player is not dealt.

Also, whether it’s the NBA, MLB, NHL, or even the NFL, the most significant trades tend to occur ahead of deadline day and usually involve players insiders are not even talking about.

That’s precisely what happened this past Tuesday when ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news that the Sacramento Kings were shockingly sending Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Tristan Thompson to Indiana in exchange for Domas Sabonis, Justin Holiday, and Jeremy Lamb.

I still can’t believe the Kings traded a 21-year old sharp-shooter. I understand moving Hield, a 29-year old that had been relegated to a bench role this season due to the emergence of Haliburton, but to move them both in the same deal is just crazy. Sure, the Pacers were expected to make some moves, including Sabonis, a tremendous player, but wow. No one saw that coming.

In recent days, we’ve also seen the Portland Trail Blazers trade C.J. McCollum to the New Orleans Pelicans in a deal that surrounds acquiring Josh Hart.

The Detroit Pistons don’t seem eager to trade forward Jerami Grant yet.

I’m not sure if the Detroit Pistons will be trading Grant before Thursday’s deadline, but they’d be wise to strike while the iron is hot. Portland seems like a potential destination for Grant.

Don’t forget; Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard lobbied for Grant to be added to Team USA for the most recent Summer Olympics. Grant is under contract for next season for $20 million but is reportedly seeking a four-year, $100 million contract extension over the summer.

With the likes of McCollum, Sabonis, Haliburton, and Hield already moved, Grant appears to be the biggest fish left on the market unless a James Harden/Ben Simmons swap actually happens, but don’t count on it.

Rod Beard of The Detroit News recently completed what he calls a mail satchel and was asked what percentage he’d place on Grant being traded. (@bigdogpistons).

"As for Grant, I would say trade talk depends on what teams are offering in return. If Tuesday’s trades are any indication, there’s a pretty robust market for a player of his caliber, which means that teams will have to pony up draft capital in addition to young players to make a deal happen. I’ll guess that the likelihood of a Grant deal is about 55% because of that."

Beard went on to say Detroit Pistons general manager Troy Weaver doesn’t need to force a Grant trade now. The Pistons can weigh their options leading up to the NBA Draft or even award him with a contract extension if they so choose.

I don’t feel like Weaver needs to deal Grant before Thursday’s deadline, but I will say this, as much as I like Grant, Detroit should try to maximize the best return possible, and that seems like the present time.

Grant is averaging 19.3 points, 4.5 boards, and 2.6 assists in 28 games this season with Detroit. He’s also shooting 33.8% from three and 40.8% from the field.

I don’t expect Detroit will receive a better option ahead of the NBA Draft; in my eyes, the Pistons need to move Grant while teams are looking for a player that may put them over the top as they prepare for a postseason run. One thing is for sure, we’ll know over the next 36 hours.