The Portland Trail Blazers gave their fans an early NBA Draft present, dealing for Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant. In order to secure the former Team USA representative, General Manager Joe Cronin parted with the protected 2025 Milwaukee Bucks pick received in February’s deal with the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Blazers also sent out its 36th pick — for the Pistons’ 46 pick tonight — as well as returning the Pistons’ 2025 second-round pick will the better of Portland or the New Orleans’ 2026 second rounders.
Grant’s $20 milllion contract also fits nicely into the trade exception created in the Pelicans deal, which meant the Blazers were not required to send out any money while opening up cap space for the Pistons.