Despite suffering from the injury bug, the Golden State Warriors are trending upward in late November. Still, the organization should consider making roster adjustments this season.
If the Warriors are interested, they could part ways with a rising star and acquire a Portland Trail Blazers phenom.
(Jerami) Grant is another name constantly in the rumors,” Blue Man Hoop’s Tyler Watts wrote Friday.
“Portland is rebuilding and paying significant money to a 30-year-old forward does not fit their timeline. Grant helped the (Denver) Nuggets reach the conference finals in 2020 and has shown he can do more with the ball in his hands since.”
“The 6-foot-7 forward has shot over 40% from three-point range in each of the last two seasons and would give the Warriors another versatile two-way option.”
“Grant is in the second season of a five-year $160 million contract. It would lock the Warriors into a significant salary through his 2027 player option, but he could provide a dynamic frontcourt partnership with Draymond Green that wreaks havoc on the rest of the Western Conference.”
“Golden State wants to add a co-star for Stephen Curry, and Jerami Grant likely is not quite marquee enough. Expect the Warriors to target an All-Star to significantly raise their ceiling. There will be rumors, but this feels extremely unlikely.”
While the Trail Blazers have exhibited flashes of competence this season under Chauncey Billups, the organization isn’t in win-now mode.
With Portland reportedly looking to ship Grant, arguably their most versatile asset, to a potential contender, it makes sense why the Syracuse product has been treating each contest like an audition.
As a plug-and-play 6-foot-7 forward who can play inside and out offensively and take on an array of defensive assignments with his length and alertness, Grant has found moderate success with the Trail Blazers this season.
Grant averages 16.4 points on 38.6% field goal shooting and 35.7% three-point shooting through 17 games.
According to Watts, the Warriors would have to cut ties with Jonathan Kuminga, an evolving fourth-year pro, to acquire Grant this season.
It may not be an easy decision, but with Curry nearing the end of his career, Golden State should probably target a seasoned veteran like Grant.
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