Trade No. 2: Blazers send Grant to a team wanting to get over the hump
The Sacramento Kings are already rumored to be in the hunt for any star player that hits the trade market, according to NBA insider Shams Charania. It follows, then, that the Kings would explore the idea of acquiring Grant if he becomes available.
Barnes is owed $17 million each of the next three seasons, a much more palatable deal for Portland to swallow, even if he's a lesser player. The former UNC forward is also viewed across the league as a solid veteran leader, which the Blazers could use more of.
Lyles is on a two-year deal worth $16 milion, and like Philadelphia's Reed, would be a quality backup big. Again, Portland lands a future first-rounder in this deal.
The Kings, meanwhile, get the best player in the trade, which usually makes it a win. Sacramento was a surprising 48-34 last year behind one of the NBA's best offenses, and they're strong on that side of the floor again in '23-24. The team's defense has improved, but Grant - who's younger, more athletic and a better shooter than Barnes - should make the Kings even better on both ends.