Celtics showing trade interest in Pistons’ Jerami Grant for second straight season (report)

Jerami Grant, Jayson Tatum

Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum (0) defends against Detroit Pistons' Jerami Grant (9) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Boston.AP Photo/Michael Dwyer

While there are multiple paths the Celtics could take as the trade deadline creeps closer, acquiring talent around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will be a top priority.

For the second straight season, the C’s are interested in trading for Jerami Grant, according to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, among a number of potential suitors around the league. Other teams like the Lakers, Knicks, Jazz, Trail Blazers and more are also reportedly inquiring about the the 27-year-old forward.

Grant, who’s in his second year with the Pistons, is averaging 20.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game this season. Grant’s been sidelined since mid-December after surgery to repair his UCL ligament in his right thumb, though he’s nearing his return as the Pistons recently assigned him to their G-League affiliate.

The Celtics were rumored to be targeting Grant last season as rumors included offering the Pistons two first-round picks for his services, among other assets. That was under a previous regime in Danny Ainge last season, as Boston president Brad Stevens is now running the show and phones.

There was plenty of interest in Grant last season, who enjoyed a breakout season in Detroit as the No. 1 option. Long considered a solid rotation player, Grant averaged a career-high 22.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last year. He signed a three-year, $60 million contract with Detroit during the 2020 offseason after the NBA Bubble.

While it was considered a potential overpay at the time, Grant’s spike in production has made him a bargain. With the Pistons developing talent in No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham, Grant’s emergence as a potential trade target isn’t too surprising.

How would Grant fit with the Celtics?

Grant’s in the second year of his contract, so that ups his values significantly as he won’t be just an expiring deal come this trade deadline. While his value was arguably at its highest this past season, the wing still offers plenty of positives for a number of teams around the league.

Of course, if the Celtics do land Grant, he won’t be playing in the same role as he does with the Pistons. He would slide in as the No. 3 option behind Brown and Tatum, focusing on the other parts of his game like as a defender. Grant isn’t the best 3-point shooter at a career 34.6%, but he’s had solid shooting seasons when the attempts are done and the quality of shots are better.

Grant turns 28 in a couple months, so there’s a lot to like from a timeline perspective. He’s not much older than Brown, 25, and Tatum, who turns 24 later this season.

While there’s a lot to like about Grant and his game, it’ll be intriguing to see how the Celtics view the wing. The long-term goal is get a third star alongside Brown and Tatum to make Boston real title contenders. While Grant could be that missing piece, it’s unclear if Grant as a solid third option boosts the Celtics to contender status.

Grant will likely cost a lot from the Celtics’ side, too. The Pistons will likely look for draft picks and potential development pieces, but Grant’s price tag could soar considering the amount of teams interested. But if the C’s and Stevens are seriously looking to get Grant, he should be an intriguing piece.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.