Get ready for a rumor-filled offseason if you’re a Hawks fan. Atlanta’s front office and ownership group are on the same page — change is coming. Travis Schlenk has been outspoken on the mistake of running it back with the same squad that made it to the Eastern Conference Finals, and Tony Ressler has been equally vocal in his desire to win.
The Hawks are about as flexible as any team in the Association. Schlenk’s ability to navigate contract negotiations has afforded Atlanta the ability to move any piece they want; not a single deal is immovable. Given that flexibility, the options are vast. And one that has continually been mentioned is Jerami Grant.
According to Marc Stein, the league expects the Hawks to pursue Grant this summer.
I like the idea of adding Grant. He can be a high-quality three-and-D player with the ability to be a primary scoring option with Trae Young off the floor. A couple of offseasons ago, Grant signed a three-year deal with the Pistons for more than $60 million. He ended up becoming the primary scorer in Detroit, and his numbers took a considerable dip. Despite scoring nearly ten more points per game, his efficiency was negatively impacted by the volume of shots. Jake talked about trading for Grant earlier in the season:
It’s no surprise Grant decided to opt out of his current deal with the Nuggets. After the year he just had, he figures to make much more than that on the open market. Power Forward behind John Collins is still a sore spot for the Hawks, and Grant would be the perfect target. The 26-year old averaged 12/4 last year while shooting 48% from the field and 39% from three. He also plays fantastic defense, something else the Hawks are sorely missing, especially on the perimeter.
On more than one occasion, I have advocated for the Hawks to go out and get Jerami Grant. I understood why that didn’t happen this offseason, as Grant inked a 3-year, $60 million deal with the Pistons. He has been worth that and some. On top of being an upper-echelon defender who can hold down multiple positions, Grant has averaged over 20 points and almost five rebounds per game in 2021. He’s also shooting close to 33% from three. The only issue with Grant is likely going to be the money. The Hawks would have to trade a contract worth something close in value along with young assets and picks. This would make a deal tricky, but Grant would immediately improve the Hawks offensively and defensively.
The Hawks need someone who can put the ball on the floor and create for themselves to take the pressure off of Young, but Grant would primarily be asked to be the three-and-D player to play off of Young. Despite his shooting woes in Detroit, he won’t be asked to take nearly the amount of shots playing next to Young, which would make one think his efficiency would improve in Atlanta.
The Hawks need to switch up the roster, and it shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg for someone of Grant’s caliber.
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