Lakers should avoid the allure of a Jerami Grant trade

Jerami Grant is the Portland Trail Blazers' odd man out.

The veteran forward is firmly in his prime and capable of helping a contending, immediate team push for a deep playoff run. However, Portland is in the early stages of a rebuild and will likely prioritize the draft process in the coming years.

As such, Grant is viewed as a potential trade candidate ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. The Los Angeles Lakers have consistently been floated as a potential destination due to their need for additional scoring and wing creation. The Lakers also have multiple younger players who could be enticing for the Blazers as they continue rolling the dice on high-upside prospects.

According to an anonymous NBA executive who spoke with Sean Deveney of Heavy, the Lakers should steer clear of acquiring Grant. However, should they decide the 30-year-old forward is a can't-miss target, the executive believes GM Rob Pelinka should ensure that Rui Hachimura isn't part of any potential discussions.

“If they get Grant, I am not sure they are that much better as a team,” the executive told Deveney. “It’s a bad contract. He’s a good shooter but he is not a very good defender. I am not sure he is that much better than Rui, so if you’re giving up Rui and a draft pick? I can’t see them making that move. It’s making a trade just for the sake of making a trade, and that’s always unwise.”

Grant played in 54 games last season, averaging 21 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 45.1% from the field and 40.2% from deep. Those numbers are undoubtedly exciting for a team that has struggled for consistency in recent years.

It's also interesting to note that Grant has never been anything less than a second option on an offense. Even with the Denver Nuggets, where he spent three seasons, he was second to Nikola Jokic, with Jamal Murray sitting behind him in the pecking order. Yet, in Los Angeles, Grant would be the third option behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. There's no guarantee his scoring ability alone would make him a logical fit next to the two future Hall of Famers.

Los Angeles will undoubtedly be active in the trade market closer to February. Pelinka will want to ensure new coach JJ Redick has all the tools necessary to be a success with the franchise. However, Grant doesn't project to be the right type of player for what the Purple and Gold currently need.

The Lakers would be better served looking elsewhere as they look to develop a roster capable of contending for a championship.