The Memphis Grizzlies sit third in the Western Conference at 27-15. That's quite the turnaround, as they've already matched their win total from 2023-24. But it's not surprising -- the Grizzlies have a talented roster on paper and are finally relatively healthy.
Memphis has a formula in place that could lead to a deep playoff run: a superstar in Ja Morant, co-stars between Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, and an underrated bench to complement their trio. They also have built a defensive identity and are tied for the fifth-best defensive rating in the association.
Mock proposal sends Jerami Grant package to Grizzlies
Still, Memphis could benefit from adding one or two more pieces to help them on the offensive end. Someone who would help balance their roster and provide another go-to scoring option is the Portland Trail Blazers' veteran forward Jerami Grant. That seems to be the thought behind this trade proposed on Fanspo.
Here is the deal in full:
Although Memphis makes sense as a potential landing spot for Grant, they are sacrificing too many assets to acquire him in this deal. GG Jackson II is just 20 years old and a year removed from making the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Jaylen Wells, Memphis' No. 39 overall pick this past summer, has been a pleasant surprise as well -- he's averaging 11.8 points on 38.8 percent three-point shooting and is currently third in the NBA Rookie Ladder.
The Grizzlies should be extremely hesitant to part ways with either of these up-and-coming players. If they want to accelerate their timeline and add another win-now piece to help their big three, one would assume they could do better than Grant if they have to give up this significant of a package.
This is a no-brainer for the Trail Blazers
The Blazers should prioritize receiving draft capital in any deal involving their veterans such as Grant, but there are certain exceptions to this. This is one of those trades that is a no-brainer for Portland, even though no picks are involved.
Duop Reath is a more valuable player to include in the deal than some may think, as his minimum contract for the next two seasons makes him an intriguing trade piece.
Dalano Banton and Jabari Walker should be considered expendable for Portland as both are set to be free agents (Banton unrestricted and Walker restricted) after this season, and their long-term fits on the team remain in question. Between the two, Portland should prioritize keeping Banton, but a deal like this is too tempting not to include him.
Marcus Smart, like Grant, is 30 and doesn't fit into Portland's timeline. However, he would be an upgrade from Grant as his contract is cheaper ($20.2 million this year) and expires after next season.
Perhaps the Blazers and Grizzlies could facilitate a multi-team deal that ships Smart to a team that makes more sense. Regardless, we like the foundation of a Grant-Smart swap as a starting point for trade talks.
This deal is a smash accept for the Blazers, but it is too good to be true to the point where it doesn't seem realistic.