27-year-old Jerami Grant wasn’t a very big deal towards the beginning of his career.
After being drafted 39th overall in 2014, he had trouble finding his footing, bouncing around to three different teams before finally making some noise in Detroit.
During the 2021 season, as the first option for a rather meager Pistons squad, he averaged over 22 points per game and 4.6 rebounds — all while maintaining an effort on the defensive end.
And now, as the new season draws closer, it appears multiple teams are trying to pry him away from his current home.
A head-scratcher when he signed with Detroit because his skill set didn’t match the apparent direction of the franchise at the time, Grant’s first season with the Pistons proved that he could handle being an offensive focal point without a significant dip in production on both ends of the floor. Title-contending teams have inquired about his services over the last year, and the Celtics reportedly offered multiple late-first-round picks. At 27, Grant is an important piece of what Detroit is building. The current expectation is that he eventually signs with Detroit long term — assuming that the potential of the Pistons’ roster develops into something worthwhile over the next two years.
Grant has emerged as a solid two-way player for the Pistons, but he’s also become their most valuable trade asset.
In the right situation, the forward could be the piece to get a team over the edge of contention.
For Boston especially, they are in need of some major reinforcements. While Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have certainly made things easier for the franchise, a string of disappointing playoff performances has them in the market for a difference-maker like Grant, who would seemingly fit in any system.
There are apparently some other teams in the race, but nobody is sure who they are or what kind of offer they’re willing to make.
Needless to say, Grant’s future is very much up in the air. He might stay in Detroit for the time being, but don’t be surprised if more rumors about his potential departure continue to surface over the next few weeks and months.
