3 Players the Blazers might replace Jerami Grant with by the trade deadline

3. De'Andre Hunter

The Hawks have a player similar to De'Andre Hunter in rising star Jalen Johnson; this makes Hunter much more expendable in a potential deal. Now that they landed No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta could be looking to accelerate their rebuild and add more veteran pieces to surround their trio of Risacher, Johnson, and Trae Young. If that's the direction they want to take, Grant becomes a viable option to upgrade their starting lineup.

From the Blazers' perspective, Hunter, 26, is four years younger and owed roughly ten million less annually than Grant. Hunter's contract also expires at the end of the 2026-27 season, while Grant has a player option for the following year, which he will likely accept given the fact that he will be 33 and owed $36.4 million.

The Blazers get someone that matches their rebuilding timeline better and more financial flexibility, both in terms of money owed and length of the deal. Grant is a better overall player than Hunter, but the Blazers aren't prioritizing winning at this phase of their rebuilding process. Hunter can still fill the Grant void well as a three-and-D forward who shot 38.5 percent from three last season.

His 6-foot-8 frame allows Hunter to slide in at the power forward slot, although Grant is a much more versatile player and better scorer. The Blazers should consider Hunter a potential Grant replacement, but it will ultimately depend on the draft capital involved in a possible deal.