Jerami Grant is a fascinating trade target for teams like the Knicks due to his versatile skill set and two-way impact. Here’s a breakdown of his situation and fit:
Grant’s Current Season Performance
- Stats: 16.4 PPG, 1.1 BPG, 35.7% from 3-point range.
- Strengths: A proven scorer who can create his own shot and stretch the floor. His defensive versatility remains a valuable asset, especially on the perimeter.
- Defensive Impact: Though not a dominant interior defender, Grant’s ability to hold opponents to league-average 3-point shooting (35.4%) would be an upgrade for a Knicks team struggling with perimeter defense.
Contract Situation
- Current Deal: Three more guaranteed years with a player option in 2028, maxing out at $36M in the final year.
- Challenges: His high salary and long-term commitment make him a costly acquisition, particularly for teams like the Knicks that are already navigating tight cap situations.
Potential Fit with the Knicks
- Perimeter Defense: The Knicks, ranked 26th in opponent 3-point percentage, need a player like Grant to shore up their defensive weaknesses. Despite adding OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, the team still struggles to contest shots effectively on the perimeter.
- Offensive Contributions: While not the focal point of an offense, Grant provides reliable scoring and floor spacing, complementing stars like Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.
Trade Possibilities
- Challenges:
- Balancing salary would likely require the Knicks to part with a starter or package multiple players.
- Portland, in rebuild mode, would likely demand draft capital or a young player like rookie Tyler Kolek as part of the deal.
- Potential Third-Team Involvement: To facilitate the trade, a third team might need to absorb some salary or provide additional assets.
Outlook
If the Knicks can navigate Grant’s contract and Portland’s demands, he could significantly bolster their roster on both ends of the floor. However, the steep price tag—both in assets and salary—might make this move more realistic closer to the trade deadline, especially if Portland looks to shed his contract as part of their rebuilding efforts.
