If the San Antonio Spurs want to take another step, they could choose to be aggressive on the trade market this summer. Jeje Gomez of Pounding the Rock suggests a mock trade that would send the eighth pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Keldon Johnson, and Devonte’ Graham to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant.
“Grant is 30 years old but he does fit what the Spurs need,” Gomez wrote. “He’s a long forward who can hit threes, create in a pinch and bring athleticism on defense. He’d be an upgrade over Johnson in most areas and should bring more consistency to the position. The Blazers, meanwhile would be moving up six spots while getting younger. Devonte’ Graham would be included to make the salaries match and offer Portland the opportunity to cut some salary by waiving him while Johnson would offer Portland scoring and a contract that declines as the years go by. San Antonio would be taking on Grant’s huge contract that runs for three more years after next season, but the deal expires when whoever they pick fourth ends his rookie contract and Grant would be on a huge expiring deal the year in which Wembanyama’s extension would kick in, which would make him a good trade asset.
“Grant seems fine staying in Portland despite being in a rebuilding situation and might not be as disruptive on defense as his athleticism wanes. The Spurs value Johnson and should be hesitant to trade him for a non-star, especially considering his team-friendly contract. But it could be a mutually beneficial deal for two teams in different stages of their rebuild.”
Bringing in Grant would help the Spurs improve, but dealing a top-10 pick and Johnson seems like a fairly hefty price.
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