Grade the Trade: Blazers ship Jerami Grant to surprising team in mock proposal

Grading the Trail Blazers’ mock trade

This isn't an appealing trade idea for Portland because, as a rebuilding team, their main priority in moving an established player like Grant should be to receive draft capital. Cronin has typically accepted offers that were a combination of players and picks, but there's not a single pick coming back for Grant. It seems highly unlikely that Cronin would go from wanting two first-round picks to accepting a deal without a rising star or a single pick in the package.

The Blazers should pursue 22-year-old Moody in a trade, as he fits into their rebuilding timeline and would address their poor three-point shooting. But he's also on an expiring deal and could demand a lot for his next contract as a restricted free agent, which has to be factored into the deal.

Swartz notes that "Portland saves money by swapping Grant (four years, $132.4 million) out for Wiggins (three years, $84.7 million)", but the Blazers should avoid Wiggins. They don't need to make a noticeable downgrade deal to save money since they are already under the luxury tax. It would be much harder to find suitors to flip Wiggins than Grant; it would be one thing if Grant's contract scared teams away, but he still seems to have a market around the league, making a swap for Wiggins unnecessary.

Since the Blazers already have all 15 roster spots locked up, they'd also have to cut a player or make an additional move, which isn't worth the headache. With no draft picks involved in the mock proposal, the Blazers would be wise to avoid this one at all costs.

Grade: D