The Dallas Mavericks just made a run to the NBA Finals, and now they're already looking at how they can improve to not just return to the Finals but win it all this time around. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving will continue to lead the way for the Mavs moving forward, but they could use a bit more help after getting overwhelmed by the Boston Celtics. Could Jerami Grant be a trade option this offseason?
SNY's Ian Begley reports Dallas as one of “several teams” that have “checked in on Grant's situation in Portland.” Grant just finished up his second season with the Portland Trail Blazers and has four years left on his contract after signing a five-year, $160 million deal last summer.
Jerami Grant's situation with Blazers
Jerami Grant agreed to that long-term deal with the Blazers before Damian Lillard demanded a trade out of Portland. Grant put up solid numbers last season, averaging 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 45.1% from the field and 40.2% from 3-point range. However, the 30-year-old only played in 54 games and missed the last month of the season.
The Blazers finished with a 21-61 record, the worst mark in the Western Conference. Unfortunately for them, they wound up with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, falling three spots from their initial No. 4 slot.
With Portland still in rebuilding mode, general manager Joe Cronin could look to sell Grant at a high price given how much team control is left on his contract. On the flip side, there's no real rush to trade him because of all that time left on his contract, and the Blazers could look to get back to respectability quickly. Grant can help them do that, so it would likely take a big offer to get a deal done.
What Mavericks have to offer
It's already known that the Mavericks will look to trade Tim Hardaway Jr. this summer. Hardaway is set to make over $16 million in the final year of his contract in 2024-25, so that provides good salary for matching in a deal. Youngster Josh Green is making over $12 million next season and could be a coveted trade piece in a deal. PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford likely aren't going anywhere after the roles they played in the NBA Finals run, unless it's for a legitimate star upgrade, but Maxi Kleber and his $11 million salary is another trade candidate.
Dallas does have some future draft picks available to trade as well, with 2025 and 2031 first-round picks available to move on the night of the 2024 draft. The Mavericks do already owe first-round picks this year, in 2027 and 2029, and their 2028 and 2030 firsts are owed as swaps. Dallas can swap firsts in 2025, 2026 and 2031. They also have four second-round picks to play with.
Grant's fit on the Mavs
The Mavericks found a lot of success with their new-look roster after the trade deadline, with the arrivals of Washington and Gafford helping jumpstart them. Derrick Jones Jr. found a home in the starting lineup and is a priority in free agency.
While Washington and Jones were pivotal in their starting roles in Dallas this season, Grant would be an upgrade as a two-way threat who can shoot it from deep. Grant would become even more dangerous playing off Doncic and Irving, which would also allow him to expend more energy on the defensive end.
The Mavs could look to acquire Grant and then bring either Washington or Jones off the bench, assuming they're both back, which would help their depth. It's unclear if the Blazers are serious at all about trading Grant, but it's worth a look for Dallas.
Follow Us
Subscribe