Some rival teams believe there’s something of a split within the Pistons organization on the idea of trading Jerami Grant, says Marc Stein in his latest Substack column.
Signing Grant was one of the first major moves made by general manager Troy Weaver when he took the reins in Detroit’s front office in 2020, and he’s had a “longstanding affinity” for the forward, as Stein writes. However, there’s a belief that Pistons vice chairman Arn Tellem is more open to the idea of trading Grant before the deadline.
Echoing some previous reporting, Stein suggests the Pistons want a significant return for Grant, who in turn wants a significant offensive role and a contract extension with whatever team acquires him. Finding a trade partner willing to check all those boxes could be a challenge for Detroit, so there’s no guarantee the 27-year-old will be on the move by February 10.
Here’s more from Stein:
- Teams that have been in touch with the Sixers don’t believe Daryl Morey is bluffing about his willingness to hang onto Ben Simmons through the trade deadline, says Stein. However, clubs are less convinced about reports that De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton are off-limits for the Kings — according to Stein, there’s a sense among rival executives that Fox, in particular, could be had.
- Paul Millsap is away from the Nets as the team seeks a new home for the veteran big man. Stein hears from sources that Brooklyn would ideally like to upgrade their perimeter shooting in the process of moving Millsap. That could mean either trading Millsap for a shooter or trading him and then signing a shooter using the newly-opener roster spot.
- Anfernee Simons‘ emergence in Portland has sparked “some of the loudest speculation” that the Trail Blazers are finally prepared to break up their longtime backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, Stein writes. There has been no indication that the team is interested in shopping the injured Lillard, so McCollum will be the trade candidate to watch. A Thursday report stated that he has been linked most frequently to New Orleans.
Agreed.
Kings have the best chance to get Simmons. I’d make all Kings available except future picks.
Hawks have the 2nd best chance.
Pacers have the 3rd best chance.
I wouldn’t trade Halliburton straight up for Simmons, not in a million years. Simmons is a more effective player, at least for the first 3.5 quarters of regular season games, but he also makes $30m a year and is a bit fragile on the emotional side.
Halliburton is definitely off-limits. I can see Fox being moved but his value has definitely taken a hit with his play this season. On top of that, the Kings were very public with their desire to keep Fox. I’d say that’s just a ploy to drive up the price but why have conversations with Fox himself telling him he won’t be moved. I don’t like the idea of losing Holmes either. Kings are deadlocked with who they can move in order to not jeopardize the future and unfortunately the guys they can move have little value (in the eyes of the rest of the league). Philly is the only team I think eager enough to make a move. Scared for the Kings until the deadline passes
A deal centered on Fox for Simmons makes sense for both sides to me. Daryl Morey clearly disagrees though. Taking a chance on Simmons actually makes some sense for Sacramento—But if it’s not in the cards I’d focus less on making a play-in appearance and more in trying to get one more stab at a top 10 pick to put beside Halliburton.
What does New Orleans give up for CJ?
Sato + J.Hart + G.Temple and 2x1st
CJ to Hawks …….. They could of used Cam here. Too bad lols.
Collins, Huerter, Knox >>>> for CJ.
Why would the Hawks trade two starters and only get one back? You keep saying Hawks are going to trade for CJ when it doesn’t make sense. If the Hawks do make a move, its going to improve the defense…which CJ doesn’t do. Plus Bogi just came back from injury. Your hate for the Hawks is hilarious and ridiculous.
#FreeBenSimmons
Blazers should trade McCollum & his 33 Mil salary & that will give the Blazers even more room to retain Simons & the Beast along with improving the team
Nets trade Millsap to Bulls for Matt Thomas.
Ok, maybe. Or Bulls just wait for him to be released.
Simons has had a great January. If he keeps it up could be a great get out of jail free card for Portland. Reboot around Dame and AS and hope for the best.
I hope Portland figures out how to get Sabonis over. Damian Lillard could be like David Robinson in SA. Mentoring and leading with Ant and the home town All-star. It would be nuts in rip city.