Indiana Pacers
There has been little to no noise out of Indiana since the end of the regular season, but the Pacers might end up as a sneaky player in free agency, and Grant would fill a need in Indiana.
The Pacers are a team on the rise in the Eastern Conference with Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, Myles Turner, and Buddy Hield. Their 35-win season last year wasn’t indicative of the talent on their roster.
Indiana also has four picks in the upcoming draft, including three in the first round and one in the lottery. With around $25 million in expected cap space, Indy can make a splash in free agency, and the team has a need for a forward with Grant’s skill set.
Grant’s versatility, length, and offensive capabilities would fit snugly between Mathurin and Turner in that five-man lineup.
The Pacers might be making moves this summer, and if they make the right ones, they can realistically shoot for at least 45 wins rather than 35.
Portland is still the favorite to sign Grant this offseason. If the Blazers do get out-bid by any of these three teams, they won’t regain any cap space to replace him, which could make the organization desperate. Add this to the list of major summer decisions that need to be made by general manager Joe Cronin.