The Dallas Mavericks head into the offseason following a surprising run to the NBA Finals. To ensure their success wasn’t a fluke, they need reinforcements, with one potential addition being Portland Trail Blazers wing Jerami Grant.
Grant has developed significantly over the past few years, averaging 20 points or more in three of the last four seasons. The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor highlights why Grant is a “hidden gem.”
“Grant remains a versatile defender fitting well into any switching defense, and he’s a reliable shooter who can cut and score at the rim. He’s also capable off the dribble. Like Porzingis in Boston, Grant might now prefer a more balanced role.”
O’Connor further explains how Grant could excel with the Mavericks.
“Imagine Grant’s scoring talent receiving kickout passes from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, instead of Maxi Kleber. Grant would capitalize on more open looks than ever. Additionally, his ball-handling ability could ease some of the burden on Luka and Kyrie.”
Grant last played for a playoff team, the Denver Nuggets, during the 2019-20 season. He is entering the second year of a five-year, $160 million contract.
### Trail Blazers Urged to Trade Jerami Grant
There are no current reports of the Trail Blazers planning to trade Grant. However, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz argues that failing to trade veterans like Grant should be a concern.
“Despite finishing last in the Western Conference with 21 wins, the Trail Blazers are projected to be in the luxury tax this season,” Swartz wrote on June 12. “Veterans like Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon are earning over $50 million combined and don’t fit the team’s competitive timeline.”
Swartz adds that trading Grant and Brogdon would benefit the Trail Blazers in two ways.
“Keeping this roster as is would be a mistake,” Swartz wrote. “Portland needs to fully embrace a youth movement by trading Brogdon, Grant, or both, getting out of the luxury tax, and opening up the full mid-level exception to acquire more young talent.”
Grant is paid like an All-Star despite the unlikelihood of making an All-Star team. However, as O’Connor suggests, he could be a valuable investment in a complementary role in Dallas.
### Mavericks’ Past Efforts to Acquire a Wing Like Grant
Before the NBA Trade Deadline, the Mavericks attempted to acquire Kyle Kuzma but failed. According to The Athletic’s Tim Robbins, both sides were “close” to a deal, but it fell through. Kuzma told Robbins on February 13 that he didn’t want to go to Dallas, a decision that now seems questionable.
“In my career, I won a championship. So, I understand that playing basketball is about contending for an NBA championship, not just a playoff spot. There are only a few true contenders. I felt like our timelines didn’t align,” Kuzma told Robbins.
At that time, the Mavericks did not appear to be Finals-bound. However, their mid-season changes proved otherwise. It’s intriguing to consider how Dallas might have fared with Kuzma on the team.
While Grant and Kuzma are different player archetypes, they both play the same position and are proven scorers.
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