Portland Trail Blazers: Rating the Blazers top 4 Draft Day trade rumors

Originally posted on Pacific Northwest Sports
By Rob Ryan | Last updated 6/21/22

A few days until the NBA draft, we break down and rank the four most talked about trade rumors involving the Portland Trail Blazers.

It’s NBA draft week, and trade rumors run wild. The Portland Trail Blazers and their new General Manager, Joe Cronin, are right in the middle of all the talk. I looked over the top four trade rumors and will rate each based on its likelihood of happening as well as how much it benefits the Trail Blazers.

Trade rumor #1- Portland acquires Jerami Grant from the Detroit Pistons for the #7 pick and the 20.8 million trade exception.

The likelihood of this trade happening- is 20%, at least as the rumor is currently constructed.

Jerami Grant has been linked to the Blazers since last year’s trade deadline. By making this deal, Portland would be cashing out its best trade chip for a player in the final year of his contract. Grant is seeking a near-max contract, but his percentages have decreased as his role expanded in Detroit.

How much would Jerami Grant help Portland?

Grant would instantly be the best power forward Rip City has seen since Lamarcus Aldridge. That said, he is probably best utilized as an above-average role player.

No question, he would certainly help the team. But at the cost of the #7 pick, it leaves the Blazers with limited resources to fix other team needs. If Portland could get Grant with a different package or perhaps after trading back in the draft, the chances of him coming to the Trail Blazers would significantly improve.

Jerami Grant heading to Blazers? https://t.co/yINuk9E94h
— Milan Djordjevich (@M_Djordjevich) June 21, 2022

Trade rumor #2- Portland acquires Luguentz Dort and the #12 pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder for the #7 pick.

Likelihood of this trade happening- 25%

This deal would work for trading down and perhaps using the #12 pick to go after Jerami Grant. But what would be the reasoning behind bringing in Luguentz Dort unless it sets up another deal that involves Josh Hart?

How much would Lu Dort help the Blazers?

Dort likely isn’t starter material in Portland. He’s an above-average defender capable of guarding small forwards. At 6’3″, Dort is better suited to defend against guards.

On the other hand, Dort would help the team mold head coach Chauncey Billups wants to build, mainly being more aggressive on defense. Like Hart, he’s the kind of player you would love in your rotation, but you might be in trouble if you try to use him as your starting small forward.