The Portland Trail Blazers trade with the Philadelphia 76ers and Detroit Pistons
Why this trade works for the Blazers:
Jerami Grant has been a pipedream for the Blazers for the entirety of the 2021 offseason. His defensive versatility and complementary scoring ability seems like the perfect fit next to Dame.
Grant had a breakout season last year, serving as the Detroit Piston’s number one option. While he performed better than some expected, it wasn’t enough to keep the Pistons out of the lottery, who actually landed the number one pick.
Now, Detroit has the framework of a rebuild started, centered around rookie Cade Cunningham. At 27 years, Grant is just a tad too old to serve as Cade’s running mate for years to come.
Grant’s ability to guard every position will massively upgrade the Blazers defense. His ability to shoot threes will maintain Portland’s floor spacing while also turning them into an average-sized team. His newly discovered ability to create his own shot off the bounce will bring a much needed slashing element to Rip City, while also filling CJ’s role as the second option.
Kelly Olynyk isn’t just salary filler here either. He’s turned himself into a solid positional defender at power forward and center and has shot 37 percent from deep the last two seasons on over four attempts per game.
Why this trade works for the 76ers:
All the same reasons remain for the Sixers here. Josh Jackson is thrown in as salary-filler. If he can improve enough on offense to stay on the floor to provide his strong perimeter defense though, that’ll be a sweet added bonus for Philly.
Why this trade works for the Pistons:
Cade Cunningham and Ben Simmons give the Detroit Pistons a very strong start to what will likely be a quick rebuild. While both players work best with the ball in their hands, it’s been proven that having two ballhandlers who can create for others is a good recipe for success.
Not only could the two point forwards put on a passing clinic game-in and game-out, they’ll also form a fierce defensive tandem. Cunningham could also use a second option who can allow him to build on his off-ball game and find open 3-pointers.
Adding Simmons will alleviate some of the pressure placed on Cunningham’s shoulders and let him grow at a more reasonable pace.
This trade gives the Pistons one of the strongest young cores in the NBA, just between those two elite prospects.
Getting such an elite talent and being able to come off of the contract they gave to Jerami Grant is well-worth the first-round pick they’ll have to throw in to make the deal happen.