The Portland Trail Blazers have already rocked the league with two major deals ahead of the trade deadline. Even after parting with C.J. McCollum, Norman Powell and Robert Covington in the past few days, though, the Blazers apparently aren't done trying to revamp their roster around Damian Lillard before Thursday afternoon.
According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, Portland remains in discussions with the Detroit Pistons on a potential trade for Jerami Grant.
Having already moved Norm Powell and CJ McCollum, Portland is still engaged in conversations with Detroit on acquiring forward Jerami Grant, sources said.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) February 8, 2022
The Blazers' interest in Grant dates back to before their 2021-22 season went off the rails, when they still had dreams of competing in the Western Conference playoffs come spring behind a healthy Lillard. Recent surgeries for both Lillard and Nassir Little signaled an inevitable change in approach for Portland, though, one that prioritizes the future over the present.
The prevailing notion was that on-the-fly rebuild took the Blazers out of the running for Grant. But a suddenly replenished stable of assets—including a 2022 first-round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans, rookie Keon Johnson and Eric Bledsoe's $18.9 barely-guaranteed contract for next season—makes Portland a player for Grant again should the Pistons want to move him before this summer.
The Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz have also been mentioned as suitors for Grant at the trade deadline. Still, Detroit appears increasingly comfortable hanging onto him into the offseason if a deal to their specific liking doesn't materialize before February 10th. The Blazers, for instance, would no doubt retain interest in Grant come summer even if they fail to acquire him this week.
Grant, 28 next month, is averaging 19.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game this season on below-average efficiency this season.
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