New York Knicks: Why Detroit’s Jerami Grant is the perfect trade target
By Allen Settle
New York Knicks: Why would Detroit trade Grant?
At first glance, the Pistons have very little incentive to move a player like Grant. The former second-round picks burst onto the scene during his first season as the centerpiece in Detroit. He was on the brink of being named to his first All-Star team while averaging totals of 22.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while shooting 35% from three and 43% from the field. He also showed great defensive ability and flexibility, setting a good tone for a young Pistons team.
So why would a rebuilding Detroit franchise consider trading a 27-year old player with this type of talent? The most logical answer comes in the form of the most recent draft.
The Pistons were awarded the coveted first overall pick during the offseason draft lottery. Subsequently, they used this valuable asset to add the consensus #1 prospect in Oklahoma State point guard Cade Cunningham.
The 6’7″ Cunningham is expected to be the franchise cornerstone that Detroit has been seeking since the days of Chansey Billups, Rip Hamilton, Ben Wallace, and Rasheed Wallace. If he reaches the level many expect he will, the newest Piston will be a multi-time All-Star.
However, Cunningham is currently just 19-years-old. He is also joined by young prospects such as Saddiq Bey, Killian Hayes, and Luke Garza.
This creates a timeline issue for the rebuilding franchise. Just as their young core is entering their prime, a player like Grant will be entering his early-to-mid-30s. Maybe they elect to use Grant as a bridge.
But maybe… Just Maybe… they see the value in trading him for picks to add talent in the same timeline as Cunningham.