3 trades the Trail Blazers can make following CJ McCollum’s injury
By Joe Capraro
The 3-pointer: Big changes for promising youngsters
Trail Blazers fans accustomed to watching opponents drive to the basket like they’ve been paying rent on that end of the court would be absolutely delighted to have Grant and Jackson on the roster.
They can both guard multiple positions on the perimeter better than any current Blazer, and Grant’s long-term promise would ease the sting of losing Simons, who is likely on the verge of a giant contract extension and so might not be able to stay in Portland much longer.
The Pistons are a league-worst 4-21 and have made it clear that Grant — and just about anyone else on their roster — is available, and they may just flip Simons to a contender for more cap space or picks. Grant’s recent injury may be driving down his cost as well.
A complete teardown is inevitable in Detroit, and they’ll likely try and deal everyone on their roster not named Cade Cunningham. It’s a logical year for the Pistons to tank; they lose their first round pick if they make the playoffs.
To get there would take four acts of God and two of Satan, so expect them to continue battling Houston and Orlando for the 2022 NBA ping-pong ball championship instead.