With the Dallas Mavericks falling short to the Boston Celtics in five games in the 2024 NBA Finals, one thing that was clear was the Mavs needed another star or a third piece to help Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
This offseason, the Mavs will be busy looking at players to improve the roster.
However, the Mavs will need to be smart with who they add to their team. For the past two seasons, one player has continued to improve his game while playing for the struggling Portland Trail Blazers.
Jerami Grant listed as ‘dream’ trade target for Mavericks this summer
Two days ago, Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer published an article titled “10 Players Who Could Complete a Contender,” in which he highlighted Jerami Grant as the ideal fit for the Dallas Mavericks.
Given Grant’s performance with the Blazers, it’s understandable why Dallas might consider trading for him. Grant has averaged over 20 points per game in each of the past two seasons with Portland, including 21 points this past season. Adding Grant would provide the Mavericks with another scorer, something they lacked in their recent Finals appearance. The disparity in scoring depth was evident, particularly with Boston’s ability to spread scoring across its roster.
One area where the Mavericks struggled during the Finals was three-point shooting, exemplified by their 11-of-37 performance from beyond the arc in Game 5 against the Celtics. Grant has shot an impressive 40 percent from three-point range over the last two seasons, showcasing his ability to provide elite outside shooting. Additionally, Grant’s aggressive style allows him to attack the rim for layups and dunks, adding versatility to his scoring repertoire.
Rumors linking Grant to the Mavericks have persisted for multiple seasons, including discussions during last season’s trade deadline. With Dallas potentially needing a third star to bolster their championship aspirations, Grant emerges as a compelling option.
Speculation among fans suggests that Tim Hardaway Jr. could be part of any trade package for Grant. Dallas boasts other assets that could be leveraged in negotiations for the talented forward.
General Manager Nico Harrison has garnered praise for his proactive approach to trades, making significant moves during last February’s trade deadline and acquiring Kyrie Irving in the preceding year. Harrison’s track record suggests he could successfully orchestrate another deal to enhance Dallas’ scoring prowess and perimeter threat.
In summary, acquiring Jerami Grant could significantly bolster the Mavericks’ roster, addressing their need for scoring depth and three-point shooting while potentially elevating their status as championship contenders under Harrison’s strategic leadership.