The February trade deadline is coming soon, and moratoriums on players acquired during the 2021 offseason will be lifted in a few days, which is why there are several trade rumors floating. Teams have had two-plus months to figure things out with their rosters, but it seems like many will be looking to make a few changes to give themselves a better chance at competing.
Perhaps the biggest news making the rounds is a potential return for Kyrie Irving. Although it is unclear if it is because he will get vaccinated or the if franchise changed their stance on him playing part-time, there is a chance that he will suit up for the Nets this season.
In the big reveal by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, one piece of information that our eyes are the calls the Detroit Pistons is getting for Jerami Grant. It has been reported that the Los Angeles Lakers and Trail Blazers, among others, have indicated an interest in the 27-year-old.
“Jerami Grant is one of the most sought-after players in a potential trade, with the Lakers and Trail Blazers among the teams pursuing the Pistons’ versatile forward, sources said. Grant will miss extended time with torn ligaments in his right thumb, but that is not expected to impact his trade market. Dozens of teams call the Detroit front office about Grant each week, and sources said the team is open to a possible deal.”
Grant has had a stellar season so far and has picked up right where he left off in the 2020-21 season. He was one of the three finalists for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award, which eventually went to the New York Knicks Julius Randle. Even with his impressive performance, the Pistons are dead last in the Eastern Conference standings with a 4-22 record.
The Lakers experienced firsthand what Grant can do, as he torched them from all areas of the field when both teams met earlier in the season. He recorded a season-high 36 points during their first meet and followed it up with 32. Unfortunately, they lost both games.
Grant is currently with a thumb injury and will be re-evaluated in six weeks. But his injury has in no way dissuaded teams from pursuing the Syracuse product. The forward is averaging 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 24 games this season.
