The Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks are not going to rest on their laurels after falling to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.
It was evident from the start of the championship round that Boston was a far superior team than Dallas. The end result was a five-game series loss in what wasn’t necessarily a competitive NBA Finals.
Now that the offseason is here, general manager Nico Harrison and Co. are looking to improve their roster.
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, Dallas is among the teams showing early interest in Portland Trail Blazers high-scoring forward Jerami Grant.
“Several teams, including the Mavs, have checked in on Jerami Grant’s situation in Portland. Grant, 30, is entering the second season of a five-year, $160 million contract with the Trail Blazers. According to ESPN Insider Bobby Marks, the salary cap is expected to rise consistently over the next few seasons due to the NBA’s new broadcast rights deal. This is relevant because Grant’s deal will be viewed much differently in 2-3 years than it is today.”
Report on Dallas Mavericks interet in Jerami Grant
Dallas did not get much from the frontcourt during the NBA Playoffs and Finals. Outside of P.J. Washington there wasn’t a lot to write home about. Instead, the Mavs relied on the backcourt tandem of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Obviously, they want to find more in the frontcourt moving forward.
Grant, 30, averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists on 45% shooting for the Blazers a season ago. He also hit on north of 40% of his shots.
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How the Dallas Mavericks can pull off a Jerami Grant trade
Grant is set to count $29.7 million against the cap next season. Already over said cap, Dallas would have to make the salaries match. It would then have to entice the Blazers with a favorable offer. This obviously complicates things.
Dallas also doesn’t have a first-round pick to offer up. Instead, the team could see if youngsters like Josh Green and Jaden Hardy would be of interest to Portland.
As far as salaries go, Tim Hardaway Jr. would be used as a filler in this scenario.
Acquiring Grant would create a starting five moving forward of Irving, Doncic, Washington, Grant and Daniel Gafford. Not too shabby.