Fact or fiction on Bulls’ biggest NBA trade deadline rumors
Fact or fiction on Chicago Bulls’ biggest NBA trade deadline rumors: Trading for Jerami Grant?
Of all the NBA trade deadline rumors that have circulated the social media feeds of Chicago Bulls fans this year, no name has been linked to the team as much as Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant. Blossoming with Detroit, Grant has massively improved and is averaging 21.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game across 81 games with the Pistons.
On paper, Grant makes a lot of sense. If the Bulls were to acquire him via trade, they’d immediately upgrade the weakest spot in their starting lineup at power forward. Chicago would gain a player capable of picking up defensive assignments against the Eastern Conference’s dominant forwards such as Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jimmy Butler.
Another big benefit to adding Grant to the roster would be allowing the sophomore Patrick Williams to have ample time easing back into the lineup following his injury rehabilitation. However, the problems involving a potential trade begin with Williams himself.
Even if Chicago were willing to pay that steep price — which they should not be, in my opinion —Grant’s own desires also pose a significant roadblock to bringing him on board. Although Grant would like to play with a contending team, he is reportedly looking for a role as a leading score as well as a contract extension in the realm of four years, $100 million.
Not only can Chicago not afford to offer Jerami a bag that big if they want to also re-sign Zach LaVine to a max contract extension, but there’s also no scenario where Grant would be a primary offensive option behind LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic. If Grant does not wish to fully buy into the team’s unselfish identity, his presence is apt to end up causing more problems than it solves.
It’s also worth noting that Grant is also not a prolific rebounder nor three-point shooter, so he would not solve the Bulls’ issues in either of those areas. Between the risks involved with team chemistry, future financial flexibility, and the simple fact that Grant may not actually solve Chicago’s biggest issues, the Bulls are better off steering well clear of this bidding war.