Pistons GM Troy Weaver Talks Jerami Grant, Draft, Cade Cunningham

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated 6/20/22

Pistons forward Jerami Grant has been at the center of trade rumors since at least February, and that’s not likely to change.

“People are always calling for your best players,” Pistons GM Troy Weaver said, via Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press. “Absolutely anticipating that.”

Grant has repeatedly been linked to the Trail Blazers, and as recently as late last week. But there are certainly other teams expressing an interest. And more will be on the way with Thursday’s NBA Draft and the ensuing trade season rapidly approaching.

Grant, 28, is 6-foot-8 and 19.2 points and 4.1 rebounds in 47 games last season. He is due about $21 million in 2022-23, before entering free agency.

The Pistons own the No. 5 overall pick in the draft.

Weaver touched on a few other topics while meeting with reporters, via Sankofa:

On if there’s a drop-off after the first three picks: “I’ve been talking this question for 20 years. If that’s the case, how does Giannis Antetokounmpo go 15? How does Kawhi Leonard go 15? I never prescribed to that.”
On a weighing a prospect’s upside vs. immediate impact: “We’re going to draft the player who has the most potential long term. But in that, you would hope they can contribute. But we want the best player for the long haul.”
On Cade Cunningham: “His versatility lends to whoever we draft being able to fit seamlessly with him. Drafting him has made it easier in not having to worry as much about fit.”
More on the draft: “The fit is easy because we’re drafting the right person. The person is going to fit. Coach (Dwane) Casey and the staff can figure it out. We’re going to get the right fit as a person.”
Weaver also did not rule out the possibility of the Pistons trading their lottery pick, Sankofa added.