Boston Celtics: Why a Jerami Grant trade is highly unlikely

Over the past week, rumors have surfaced around a potential trade between the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons for breakout star Jerami Grant. The Cs are in desperate need of a trade to boost their championship-chances, but acquiring a player of Grant’s caliber will be extremely difficult.

Over the offseason, the Pistons shocked many by offering a three-year, $60 million contract to the 26-year old. He was coming off a very successful bubble performance with the Denver Nuggets, serving as one of their key pieces in their run to the Western Conference Finals.

It was expected for Denver to retain Grant to make another run in the playoffs, and they attempted to, matching Detroit’s offer of about $20 million per year. Surprisingly, the Syracuse-product opted to start fresh in the Motor City, hoping to be the face of the franchise.

It’s unlikely that Jerami Grant’s a trade possibility for the Boston Celtics

In the move, Grant cited the unique opportunity to play for a black coach in Dwayne Casey as one of the main reasons for making the switch.

Additionally, he wanted to show his improved skills as a shot-creator, as he has a much bigger role in the offense in Detroit compared to Denver. From the Pistons’ perspective, they were hoping to sign a primary option who can play on both ends of the floor effectively. They have gotten that and more, as he is far and away the odds-on favorite to take home the Most Improved Player award this season.

He is averaging 23.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists on 43.3 percent shooting from the field and 36.3 percent from downtown. His efficiency is down from recent years, but that’s due to his increased role in the offensive system.

His points have almost doubled compared to his last career-high of 13.6 in Oklahoma City, showing the basketball world how valuable he can be if the ball is put in his hands.

Heading into the All-Star break, the Pistons are sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference at 10-26, with no chance of making the playoffs. From that perspective, it makes sense to move off of their veteran assets to acquire younger players or draft capital.

They have already begun this process, moving Derrick Rose for Dennis Smith Jr., a lottery pick who still has a decent amount of potential.

However, Grant is just entering his prime (turns 27 in a week) and is the best player on the team.

Trading their best player only half a year into his three-year contract would not only make little sense, but would be a terrible look for the organization. Grant has been outspoken about his reasons for choosing Detroit over a return to Denver, and to trade him this soon would diminish any chance at signing quality free agents in the future.

It makes sense to keep the forward around to help build around their younger core of Killian Hayes, Saddiq Bey, and their upcoming high draft pick in the 2021 class.

If for some odd reason he was available, it would take quite the haul for the Boston Celtics to pry him away. A package including multiple first-round picks and younger players such as Aaron Nesmith and Romeo Langford would maybe get the deal done.

Grant would be a great fit on this Celtics roster, starting at the four alongside Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. He provides another ball-handler and shot-creator for when the bench unit lacks offense and can hit a corner three with ease as an off-ball option.

A possible concern for a Grant-Celtics marriage would be the possibility of him reverting back to his old ways in Denver and Oklahoma City — a good tertiary option on offense, with great length on defense.

That type of player is very important for the Boston Celtics, but at that price, it might not be worth it. A smaller trade for the likes of Nemanja Bjelica or Harrison Barnes of the Sacramento Kings might make more sense, as they can fulfill similar roles for less of a risk.

All in all, it would be surprising if the Detroit Pistons are willing to part with Jerami Grant, as the Boston Celtics would need to throw all their chips on the table in order to get him.