Grade the Trade: Blazers move Jerami Grant in wild mock three-team blockbuster
By Reese Kunz
Rip City continues roster teardown
Grant Lakers 3-team
In this proposed trade, the two first-round picks the Blazers acquire are a 2025 first-round pick from the Magic (via Denver) and a top-three protected 2029 first-round pick from the Lakers. Meanwhile, the Magic receive a 2028 second-round pick from the Blazers (via Golden State) and a 2030 second-round pick from the Lakers.
The Magic have had a strong offseason, most notably signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency to give them more floor spacing around stars Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. But they still need a playmaking guard to help initiate the offense and take some of the offensive burden off of Wagner and Banchero. The Magic have been linked in several mock trade proposals to Blazers guard Anfernee Simons, who 'appears open to a move' from Portland, per Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report.
The Magic are a popular landing spot for Simons because his weaknesses as a defender would be mitigated by Orlando's length and their defensive backcourt of Jalen Suggs and now KCP. However, the Blazers' and GM Joe Cronin's asking price for Simons may be too steep for Orlando's liking. In this proposal, they pursue a cheaper alternative to Simons in Russell, who has similar strengths and weaknesses as an offensive-minded guard who can shoot and provide secondary playmaking.
The Blazers may not have an interest in Russell. However, the Lakers have limited options regarding who they can send to match Grant's hefty contract, making it more reasonable to get a third team into the mix like Orlando, who could potentially be interested in D-Lo. For the Lakers, Cole Anthony is a downgrade from Russell but still a serviceable role player who can provide scoring off the bench. But if the Lakers can land Grant without sacrificing two first-round picks, it should be considered a win for them.
It makes sense for the Magic and Lakers to acquire players like Grant and D-Lo for reasonable prices in hopes of them being the pieces to help put them over the top for a deep playoff run. But do the Blazers get enough to sign off on the three-team deal?