Should the Indiana Pacers trade for Jerami Grant?
In theory, Jerami Grant is a highly versatile forward whose defensive ability is inarguable, with a much-improved and bigger offensive repertoire to boast on a nightly basis. Better yet, he’s on a very reasonable contract, and should thrive without the headlights seen in bigger markets, as he’s routinely performed better without the glitz and glimmer.
However, part and parcel of what allowed him to tally such robust stats (21.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists so far with Detroit) with his club is the Pistons’ utmost lack of a true go-to option. From that perspective, he’s been up-and-down and could be better off in a more streamlined role, as his 42.7 shooting from the field donning a Pistons jersey leaves a lot to be desired.
With Grant operating the best as a power forward, it would mean that the Indiana Pacers will have to part with one of Turner and Sabonis. Warren, Lamb, and some sweeteners could be a viable route to take, but having him as your starting small forwards seems like a spacing disaster, with Grant shooting a tad below league average from downtown on moderate volume.
Problem is, trading Turner, who’s been having a career-year so far, seems like malpractice. Trading Sabonis, meanwhile, will cause the Pacers to lose their best rebounder, interior scorer, and perhaps their biggest threat offensively with his well-rounded offensive profile.
At the end of the day, I don’t see the Indiana Pacers moving what they can to pursue Jerami Grant in a trade. While it could be possible if the Blue and Gold fails to gain much traction as the season runs its course, at this juncture, this should safely remain in the realm of hypotheticals.