The Denver Nuggets might need to make significant changes to secure another title, one of which could be reuniting with Jerami Grant, who previously excelled with the team.
Grant played a key role in helping the Nuggets reach the Western Conference Finals in 2020, their first appearance since 2009. Since then, he moved to the Detroit Pistons and later the Portland Trail Blazers. Dan Favale of Bleacher Report proposed a trade scenario that would bring Grant back to the Nuggets.
Trade Proposal:
– **Nuggets acquire**: Jerami Grant
– **Trail Blazers acquire**: Michael Porter Jr., Peyton Watson
Favale noted that this trade is unlikely, especially considering the financial constraints involved. However, he argued that if the Nuggets were open to using Michael Porter Jr.’s salary to gain more versatile players and possibly replace Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Grant would be a strategic choice.
Favale described the proposed trade as “ambitious,” with the focus on acquiring Watson rather than Grant. Grant is entering the second year of a five-year, $160 million contract.
Despite beginning a new chapter as a franchise in 2023, the Trail Blazers have kept Grant, rejecting trade offers, including one from the Sacramento Kings, as reported by James Ham.
Since leaving Denver in 2020, Grant’s scoring average has increased significantly from 12 points per game to as high as 22.3. However, his teams have not reached the playoffs during this period. While Grant wouldn’t be the primary scorer for the Nuggets, his enhanced skills could greatly benefit a playoff team.
The Trail Blazers might not want to stay in mediocrity for long, especially following the Damian Lillard era. If they acquire a new star, they might prefer to keep Grant for their next playoff push.
In January, amid trade rumors, Grant expressed contentment with the Trail Blazers. He told Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report that he was happy in Portland, focusing on helping the younger players and acknowledging the trade rumors as out of his control.
Grant’s stance could change if offered a spot on a contending team like the Nuggets. However, his current role and salary with the Trail Blazers provide him with opportunities and compensation that he might not find elsewhere. While the Nuggets are more competitive, Grant might prefer his current prominent role.
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