How the Spurs can trade for high-scoring Jerami Grant

The San Antonio Spurs will be looking to add more firepower in their frontcourt this summer. Nearly all reports indicate that they'll be pursuing a large wing or big with the ninth overall pick, so they'll be sure to get some help in that department from whoever they select in the lottery.

But when the NBA Draft is over, they'll no doubt be hoping to add an established player either through a trade or free agency as well. No matter how talented a player San Antonio is able to get on draft night, it's extremely rare that a rookie can be an important rotational piece right away. One of the most realistic options for the Spurs to target could be the Detroit Pistons' Jerami Grant.

Heading into his ninth year in the league, Grant is now a seasoned veteran that would provide immediate scoring, rebounding, and defensive impact for the Silver and Black. According to ESPN's Jonathan Givony, Grant is "widely expected" (subscription required) to be traded sometime this summer. Let's take a look at how San Antonio could go about acquiring him.

Jerami Grant Is A Gamble

Entering the final year of his contract after signing in the Motor City as a free agent in 2020, Jerami Grant's time with the Pistons could be drawing to a close as Detroit appears poised to move on from the 28-year-old forward. After landing the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and selecting Cade Cunningham, the Pistons are looking to build around Cade, and Grant doesn't quite fit their timeline anymore.

If the Spurs were able to successfully trade for Jerami, they would have to be confident in their ability to re-sign him in 2023 or have a solid plan in place to flip him for additional assets. Otherwise, he could walk for nothing next summer. As talented as he is, Grant is not a player you should be content with having as a one-year rental.

But assuming they are interested in keeping him around beyond next season, San Antonio would need to put together a somewhat ambitious trade package to pry the star wing away from Detroit. A successful package would likely include at least one first-round pick along with several players that would fill appropriate needs on the Pistons' roster.

In this hypothetical trade, the Spurs would send Doug McDermott, Keita Bates-Diop, and two draft picks to Detroit in exchange for Jerami Grant. Sending two draft picks may make some Spurs fans nervous at first glance, but giving up their 2025 first-round pick they acquired from Chicago would be a worthwhile gamble since the Spurs would still own their own first-rounder in that draft.

If they could pull this off without parting with any of their three 2022 first-round picks, it becomes a deal that could be a heist for San Antonio.

As the team that finished 29th in 3-point percentage this season, Detroit is desperately in need of more outside shooting, so Doug McDermott is a perfect fit in that department. He would be able to play well off of Cade, giving the Pistons instant offense off the bench. Keita Bates-Diop would fit in nicely with the other reserve big guys, giving Detroit the option to throw Marvin Bagley in the starting rotation.

For the Spurs, trading for Jerami Grant could mean acquiring their power forward of the future. While not an all-world talent, Grant is a fringe All-Star level player that could flourish in San Antonio. His two-way ability bodes well for his continued development -- especially as a player that's already a bit of a late bloomer in the NBA.

Offensively, Grant is an elite athlete and respectable scorer. As a defender, he frequently takes on tough assignments and has the physical tools to be switchable. If the Spurs see him as a player that can mesh with their core of talent and be a long-term contributor for the organization, I see no reason for them not to make a push for him.

In the end, Grant could be the final missing piece that pushes San Antonio over the hump and into the playoffs in 2023.