Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons held onto forward Jerami Grant after not finding any deals that "made sense" ahead of Thursday's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline.

Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press reported the Pistons could not find a deal they were comfortable with.

Detroit spent several weeks discussing potential Grant moves with teams, but there never appeared to be much traction. James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reported the Pistons were seeking at least two first-round picks in exchange, a price no team came close to meeting.

The Portland Trail Blazers were the most aggressive team in attempting to acquire Grant but "nothing worthwhile materialized," per Edwards.

While both sides were aware of a potential trade, Grant is reportedly happy in Detroit and the Pistons are happy with him being in the fold. He's their leading scorer for a second straight season at 19.1 points per game, and he's a solid defender on the perimeter. The Grant-Pistons relationship hasn't resulted in wins, but these were always expected to be lean years in Detroit.

It's possible, if not likely, the Pistons explore trading Grant this summer ahead of the final year of his three-year, $60 million contract. He could become an attractive trade chip for a team that misses out on the free-agent market and has viable assets they can use on a wing defender. 

The Sacramento Kings traded Marvin Bagley III to the Detroit Pistons as part of a four-team deal that also included the Los Angeles Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks.

Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Jackson and Trey Lyles will head to the Kings as part of the trade. The Bucks are acquiring forward-center Serge Ibaka and cash considerations, while Semi Ojeleye and Rodney Hood head to the Clippers. Los Angeles will also receive the draft rights to Vanja Marinkovic.

Sacramento received the draft rights to David Michineau in the deal.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN first reported the deal.

Ibaka could serve as an integral rotation piece for a Milwaukee team looking to repeat as champions, while DiVincenzo may be a long-term centerpiece for a revamped Sacramento team. The Kings already acquired Domantas Sabonis from the Indiana Pacers earlier this week. 

When the Bucks made their title run last season, P.J. Tucker proved to be a valuable defender and rebounder in the postseason. He averaged 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 29.6 minutes per game across the playoffs.

With Tucker gone, that's likely the same kind of role Milwaukee is envisioning for Ibaka. The 32-year-old has also shown he can be effective in the postseason, having helped the Toronto Raptors win their first title in 2019.

The 6'10" Ibaka also provides much needed frontcourt depth considering the Bucks have been rolling with Bobby Portis, who isn't a natural 5, and a past-his-prime Greg Monroe at center. Starting center Brook Lopez has played only one game this season because of a back injury.

In the event the reigning champs made a reasonably big move ahead of the deadline, DiVincenzo was the most likely candidate to go.

The 25-year-old, who missed the start of the season due to ankle surgery, has been solid so far. For his career, he's averaging 8.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 34.3 percent from beyond the arc.

DiVincenzo didn't establish himself as an irreplaceable member of the rotation, though, particularly after missing the Bucks' entire title run last year. He's set to become a restricted free agent this summer, which also might have factored into the decision to trade him.

Bagley's departure from Sacramento was all but inevitable after his agent, Jeff Schwartz, publicly called out the Kings in October. Schwartz said it was "completely baffling" for the team to omit him from its opening-night rotation before criticizing the organization even further:

pic.twitter.com/SHRi6uBkKp

— excel sports (@excelsm) October 19, 2021

The situation took another turn when Sean Cunningham of ABC10 reported Bagley refused to enter Sacramento's 109-104 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Nov. 8. Former head coach Luke Walton didn't provide a ton of clarity when addressing the report.

Luke Walton responds to the reports that Marvin Bagley III refused to check in to the game on Monday pic.twitter.com/Za9sOjaN7n

— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) November 11, 2021

It seemed clear a divorce was the best for both parties. The firing of Walton and hiring of Alvin Gentry as interim coach had a positive effect on Bagley. It was nevertheless too little too late to salvage his future in Sacramento.

This trade brings an end to an underwhelming three-plus-year run for the 22-year-old.

The former Duke standout is on a trajectory to be his generation's Sam Bowie, somebody remembered largely in connection to who was selected immediately after him in the NBA draft. The Kings passed on Luka Doncic, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Trae Young to take the 6'11" forward in 2018. 

From that standpoint, a change of scenery could be beneficial. By moving to a new team, he may not burdened as much with being part of one of the biggest "what ifs" in Kings history. 

To this point in his career, Bagley is averaging 13.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 0.7 blocks. He's also shooting 49.4 percent overall and 29.9 percent from beyond the arc. Although that isn't great production, it allows room for some optimism.

Staying healthy could go a long way toward raising his ceiling on the court. He missed 20 games as a rookie and then logged only 13 appearances during the COVID-19-pandemic-shortened 2019-20 campaign. A fracture in his left hand limited him to 43 games this past season.

A player's development will inevitably get derailed when he's spending prolonged spells over multiple years on the bench.

In general, there's nothing to indicate that Bagley is on the cusp of a breakout that will put him on the level of Young or Doncic. But he now has the fresh start he sorely needed and won't be expected to serve as a cornerstone of the roster.

Meanwhile, the Pistons get to see Bagley for the second half of the season before he becomes a restricted free agent in 2022. They're in an especially good position to take a flier on him.

The arrival of 2021 No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham didn't instantly transform Detroit into a contender. Right now, the front office is in asset-acquisition mode and is looking to see which players might fit as long-term pieces.

With Saddiq Bey, Jerami Grant and Isaiah Stewart, the Pistons appear to have a solid foundation in their frontcourt. Perhaps Bagley can carve out a role as a reserve.

If he thrives in the Motor City, it might enable Detroit to trade Grant, since the 27-year-old forward might not be on the same timeline as his younger teammates.

Jerami Grant is a valuable potential acquisition for contenders ahead of Thursday's NBA trade deadline, and the Detroit Pistons reportedly want plenty in return.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday on SportsCenter that the forward "has stirred a lot of interest around the league. He kind of fits almost anywhere. Detroit's asking price has largely stayed at two first-round picks."

Wojnarowski pointed to the Portland Trail Blazers as having interest in acquiring Grant, although they may not have enough assets.

Interest around the NBA is no surprise considering Grant's skill set and the fact that he is not a rental. He is under contract through the 2022-23 campaign and could help in a couple of playoff runs.

Grant is averaging 19.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 40.4 percent from the field and 33.1 percent from deep. While the shooting numbers could use a boost, he can stuff the stat sheet and impact the game in a number of ways.

He averaged a career-best 22.3 points per game last season for the Pistons and is in his prime at 27 years old.

Yet the Pistons are in rebuilding mode around rookie Cade Cunningham and are unlikely to be title contenders during Grant's contract. Moving him to accelerate that rebuild with multiple first-round picks would be an ideal move.

Portland has been one of the busiest teams in the league ahead of the deadline, sending CJ McCollum to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of a trade that included multiple picks and players.

It also acquired Joe Ingles from the Utah Jazz in another move involving multiple players, although the veteran has a torn ACL and is sidelined for the rest of the season.

Wojnarowski reported on the Trail Blazers' plans following the McCollum trade:        

Portland's plan is to fully reshape roster around Damian Lillard now. Portland created a $21M trade exception today, potentially $60M in salary cap space this summer, multiple draft picks and assets via Pels and Clippers trades. Plan is to pursue high-end talent now, not retreat.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2022

Pairing Lillard and Grant could make the Blazers far more competitive, especially in 2022-23, but it may cost them multiple first-round picks.

Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant reportedly continues to attract interest ahead of Thursday's 2022 NBA trade deadline, but "no offers have seriously progressed."

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported the update Tuesday and noted the Pistons might wait until the offseason to decide whether to make Grant available in trade talks or sign him to a contract extension.

Grant is in the second season of a three-year, $60 million contract with Detroit. He'll become extension eligible over the summer, but the Pistons might want to "see where they fall in the draft" and become aware of the prospects who might be available before making any decisions, per Windhorst.

They're trending toward a high pick, as they own the NBA's second-worst record at 12-41, ahead of only the Orlando Magic (12-43).

Although the Pistons feature some promising young talent, led by Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart, they've yet to turn the corner in their rebuilding efforts and are likely still several years away from serious contention.

In turn, trading Grant while he's still near the peak of his career could make sense for two reasons: to prevent the financial impact of the lucrative extension he'll be due this summer or next and to add assets with an eye toward the future.

The 27-year-old Syracuse product is averaging 19.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.8 threes, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steals across 28 appearances this season. It's a continuation of the across-the-board impact he made during his breakout 2020-21 campaign.

In turn, it's no surprise teams are at least checking in on his availability before the deadline.

James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reported Monday the Brooklyn Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards lead the group of interested teams, though it's "not a foregone conclusion" a deal will be made.

The Pistons are still dealing from a position of strength since Grant is under contract for next season, so signaling they're willing to keep him until the offseason could be an effort to see whether teams are willing to increase their offers over the next couple of days.

If he's still on Detroit's roster when the deadline passes, he'll likely emerge as one of the top trade candidates over the summer, barring a long-term extension.

Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant remains a hot commodity ahead of Thursday's NBA trade deadline with the Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers showing the most interest, according to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.

The Brooklyn Nets have also reportedly "poked around," though they aren't considered a likely destination.

Edwards reported "it's not a foregone conclusion" that Grant is traded, but the Pistons will clearly consider offers in the coming days before the deadline.

The 27-year-old has one year remaining on the initial three-year, $60 million deal with the Pistons. He easily outperformed expectations during his first season with averages of 22.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, becoming a finalist for the Most Improved Player Award.

A thumb injury has limited him in 2021-22, but Grant has returned to play in Detroit's last four games.

In 28 appearances this year, he is averaging 19.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steals per game.

Grant has proved to be a productive player who can help on both ends of the court, excelling either as a go-to option with the Pistons or as a role player with the Nuggets and Thunder. It could make him one of the most impactful midseason additions in the NBA if a top team can land him. 

Brooklyn would be an intriguing option if it can add necessary scoring depth with Kevin Durant still out with a knee injury. Kyrie Irving cannot play in home games due to his vaccination status, creating even more need for the Nets. If the team ever returns to full strength, Grant can play a smaller role as an elite three-and-D player on a title contender.

The Wizards, Kings and Trail Blazers are further from contention, but Grant could be a reliable offensive weapon to get the teams back on track either this season or next.   

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson is reportedly drawing interest from teams around the NBA ahead of Thursday's trade deadline.

According to Ian Begley of SNY, among those teams are the Detroit Pistons, who envision pairing him with promising rookie guard Cade Cunningham.

"Robinson would fit the team’s desire to find players on the same timeline as rookie Cade Cunningham," Begley wrote. "It’s unknown if Detroit would pursue Robinson via trade or if the club would only consider him if/when he hits free agency."

Robinson is in the final year of his rookie contract and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. New York has yet to offer him an extension, which could make the team more willing to listen to trade offers.

The 7-footer's averages of 8.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks may be modest. But at 23 years old, the third-year pro is one of the most promising young big men in the NBA because of his prowess on defense.

"The rim protection is elite. … He’s got gifts that are special," Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said of Robinson prior to Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. "He can cover a lot of ground, he can be out [on the perimeter] and get back [to the paint], drop with the roller [when defending the pick-and-roll], protect the rim. Change shots [at the rim]; people are always looking for him [at the rim]."

The Pistons are 12-40 this season and are in the midst of a long-term rebuild. Detroit's roster is filled with young players who are still trying to find their way in the league, so adding Robinson would be a significant upgrade.

When healthy, Cunningham has shown the promise that made him the No. 1 pick in last year's draft. Through 41 games, the point guard is averaging 15.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists. With a player like him leading the way, Detroit will have a better chance at attracting free agents to help improve its roster.

Detroit Pistons head coach Dwane Casey told reporters rookie guard Cade Cunningham will miss Thursday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a hip pointer.

Josh Jackson will also miss the game because of back spasms.

In his debut NBA season, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft is averaging 15.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game.

Cunningham was nursing an ankle injury entering the season, which caused him to miss the Pistons' first four games.

While his rookie season got off to a delayed start, there was a ton of excitement surrounding Cunningham's arrival in Detroit given what he accomplished in his one collegiate season at Oklahoma State.

In 27 games for the Cowboys, the 6'8" guard averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 three-pointers made and 1.6 steals per game. He also shot 43.8 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from beyond the arc.

Cunningham was named both the Big 12 Rookie of the Year and Big 12 Player of the Year, and he guided OK State to the second round of the NCAA tournament.

After posting the worst record in the Eastern Conference last season at 20-52, the luck of the draw was on the Pistons' side, as they won the lottery and the No. 1 overall pick.

While there was some talk of Detroit taking G League guard Jalen Green, there was never much doubt that Cunningham was destined for Detroit.

Given that the Pistons are a rebuilding team, Cunningham potentially missing time doesn't do much damage to their playoff hopes, but it does put his progression on hold a bit.

Until Cunningham is able to get back in the lineup, Jerami Grant and Saddiq Bey will be the main go-to guys, while Killian Hayes, Frank Jackson and Cory Joseph will all see increased action in the backcourt.

The Utah Jazz are looking to beef up their roster ahead of the Feb. 10 trade deadline, and it appears the franchise is interested in two players that could help take their game to the next level.

Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant and Sacramento Kings veteran Harrison Barnes are reportedly drawing interest from the Jazz, per The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor. Utah has had trade talks for both players, O'Connor adds, as it is targeting "wings that can defend."

This update should come as no surprise following the news Joe Ingles suffered a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the 2021-22 campaign and into the 2022-23 season. 

Ingles has been a key piece for the Jazz across eight seasons, averaging 7.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists this season in 25 minutes per game. He's not necessarily thought of as much of a defensive stalwart, but he has been a pretty solid defender overall.

In addition, the Jazz could use some better defensive players as they continue to falter in the postseason, failing to make it past the second round since the 2006-07 campaign. 

That said, Grant is a difference-making defensive player that can help the Jazz's defense alongside big man Rudy Gobert. Grant is a good matchup to most players because of his size, athleticism and willingness to not back down from challenging matchups.

The 27-year-old is also in the midst of one his better offensive seasons, averaging 20 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 41.5 percent from the field and 33.8 percent from deep. 

However, it could be difficult for the Jazz to acquire Grant. NBA insider Marc Stein reported Utah's interest in the veteran late last month but also suggested the team would need to boost its trade package for him. 

According to B/R's Jake Fischer, the Pistons are asking for two first-round picks or one first-round pick plus a high-upside young player in exchange for Grant. 

As for Barnes, the Jazz have reportedly been interested in the veteran since late last month. On The Athletic NBA Show podcast on Jan. 26, Sam Amick reported Barnes had been "tied" to Utah. 

Barnes would present head coach Quin Snyder a better option off the bench than Rudy Gay or Eric Paschall. He's averaging 16.5 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 45 percent from the floor and 40.8 percent from deep this season.

The 29-year-old is in the third year of his four-year, $85 million contract and is drawing interest from teams because the salary for his final season is only $18.35 million. 

The Jazz have slipped to 28-23, fourth in the Western Conference. If they want to compete with the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors, they'll need some more depth, and Grant and/or Barnes can provide that.  

The Atlanta Hawks reportedly aren't an active suitor for Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant ahead of the 2022 NBA trade deadline on Feb. 10.

ESPN's Zach Lowe reported Thursday on The Lowe Post podcast (via HoopsHype) the Grant-to-Atlanta rumors are based on outdated information.

"They've been linked in recent reports to Jerami Grant. Personally, I think that's old intel based on what I've heard and that they are not in on Jerami Grant right now," Lowe said.

Grant is attracting plenty of attention ahead of the deadline with around 12 teams reaching out to the Pistons to discuss his availability, according to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer.

"He's the grand prize of this deadline," an NBA source told B/R.

The 27-year-old Syracuse product is trying to have a say in his potential trade destination as he eyes an extension in the offseason. His current three-year, $60 million deal runs through next season.

"If he gets traded somewhere, he wants to get traded somewhere he's going to get paid. I was told his representation came to the Pistons and said, 'If you're going to trade him, here's a list of teams we would be interested in going to play for,'" ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported Tuesday on The Hoop Collective podcast (via Marlowe Alter of the Detroit Free Press).

Grant doesn't have any type of no-movement clause in his contract, so he doesn't have full control over his immediate future, but a willingness to sign an extension could help Detroit command larger offers from any teams wanting to make him a long-term core piece.

The Oregon native enjoyed a breakout 2020-21 campaign with the Pistons and then captured a gold medal as part of Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics.

Grant has continued to make an across-the-board impact by averaging 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.1 steals in 24 games this season. He's shooting just 41.4 percent from the field, though.

On paper, the 6'8" forward would slot in nicely in the Hawks' starting lineup at the 3 as Atlanta (22-25) attempts to make a push toward a playoff berth.

While it sounds like Grant may be on the move over the next couple weeks, it appears the Hawks are a long-shot landing spot at this stage of the process.

While it remains to be seen whether the Detroit Pistons will trade forward Jerami Grant this season, he and his representatives reportedly provided the team with a list of destinations he would prefer if there is a move.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst (h/t RealGM) discussed the developments:

He still wants to sign a contract extension this summer. I think he's eligible for one over one hundred million. If he gets traded somewhere, he wants to get traded somewhere he's going to get paid.

I was told his representation came to the Pistons and said 'If you're going to trade him, here's a list of teams we would be interested in going to play for.'

The Pistons are not even sure if they're going to trade him, much less trade him to one of those teams.

Thanks to the play-in tournament, which extends all the way to the No. 10 seed in the respective two conferences, most teams are still well within playoff contention ahead of the Feb. 10 deadline. That could mean there are fewer deals as clubs look to hold on to their veteran playmakers for a potential postseason push.

The Pistons are not one of those teams.

Detroit entered Tuesday's game against the Denver Nuggets with an 11-35 record, which puts it 11.5 games behind the 10th-seeded Washington Wizards in the Eastern Conference. It is building toward the future with rookie Cade Cunningham, so trading the 27-year-old Grant could help accelerate those efforts with draft picks or younger players.

Grant is also the type of player who could step into the rotation for a contending team and make the difference between an early playoff exit and a title push.

He is averaging 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.1 steals a night as someone who impacts the game in a number of ways. He also posted a career-best 22.3 points per game last season in Detroit and can shoot from the outside or score near the blocks.

The Syracuse product has been a go-to option for the Pistons the past two seasons, but he also has experience as a secondary role player from his time on the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder.

That should allow him to fill whatever role a contending team that trades for him will need if he is moved ahead of the deadline.