NBA insider Eric Pincus suggested an intriguing trade scenario where the Los Angeles Lakers could land Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III. The trade would involve sending D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and Christian Wood to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and Christian Wood
This combination of players and salaries would be enough to bring back Grant and Williams without triggering the first-apron hard cap, although it would hard-cap the Lakers. To facilitate this trade, LeBron James might need to take a pay cut between $4-17 million below the max. This move would need to be finalized before James officially signs his max contract, which is expected to happen on June 6th.
The Trail Blazers are in the early stages of rebuilding after the Damian Lillard era, and offloading Grant and Williams could align with their long-term goals. Jerami Grant has four more years and $132.4 million left on his contract.
While this isn’t a burdensome deal, it is not particularly favorable given his age of 30 in the current NBA economy. Grant has primarily been a scorer since his move from the Denver Nuggets to the Detroit Pistons in 2020 and could provide the Lakers with a reliable scoring option. Last season, Grant averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 45.1% from the field and an impressive 40.2% from 3-point range.
Robert Williams III, on the other hand, has struggled with health issues but offers significant upside if he can stay on the court. The 26-year-old has a two-season deal worth between $25.7-28.9 million left.
His defensive prowess and potential as a rim protector make him a valuable asset for the Lakers, who have had issues with interior defense. However, Williams only played six games last season before an injury cut his season short, averaging 6.8 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 65.4% from the field.
Both Grant and Williams would address critical needs for the Lakers, especially in terms of defense and scoring versatility. However, the Blazers would need to consider whether the expiring contracts of Russell and Wood, the potential of Hood-Schifino despite his current health issues and the promise of Hachimura at $35.3 million over two seasons are worth giving up Grant and Williams.
Additionally, Portland might push for draft compensation from the Lakers to sweeten the deal.
For the Lakers, this trade could solidify their roster and give them a balanced mix of scoring, defense, and depth. It also aligns with their strategy to maximize the remaining years of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
For the Blazers, it would signify a continued commitment to their rebuilding process, acquiring young talent and financial flexibility moving forward. The success of this trade hinges on the willingness of both teams to compromise and find mutual benefit in the exchange.
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