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3 trades the Denver Nuggets were right to avoid this offseason

By Rowan Fisher-Shotton

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 25: Jerami Grant #9 of the Detroit Pistons looks on before the game against the Washington Wizards at Little Caesars Arena on March 25, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 25: Jerami Grant #9 of the Detroit Pistons looks on before the game against the Washington Wizards at Little Caesars Arena on March 25, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 15: Jerami Grant #9 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Miami Heat during the first half at FTX Arena on March 15, 2022 in Miami, Florida.  (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 15: Jerami Grant #9 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Miami Heat during the first half at FTX Arena on March 15, 2022 in Miami, Florida.  (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

3. Jerami Grant

One of the first trades made to tip off the start of the offseason took place just a day ahead of the 2022 NBA Draft. When the Portland Trail Blazers sent a 2025 first-round pick to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for forward, Jerami Grant. Who is widely regarded as one of the top 3-and-D specialists in the NBA, and already has a history with the Denver Nuggets.

So, then why weren’t the Nuggets involved in trade rumors surrounding Grant? First off, Denver’s already been hurt once by the young forward. After playing a crucial role in the Nuggets’ run to the Western Conference Finals in 2020. Grant drew immediate interest from various teams on the free agent market before eventually ending up a Detroit Piston on a three-year, $60 million deal.

History could repeat itself with a Jerami Grant trade

While Denver could have offered him just as much money to stay, Jerami Grant chose to play elsewhere because he wanted a bigger role with the team. Which I can’t necessarily blame him for, but now he’s onto his sixth different NBA franchise since 2016. And whether or not he flourishes in Portland remains to be seen as he’s coming off a down year statistically in Detroit.

Truth be told, the Denver Nuggets could have very easily made a play to acquire Grant if they felt it was most beneficial for the team. Grant only commanded a future first-round pick, which the Nuggets have, and they could’ve even tossed in a Zeke Nnaji or one of their two 2022 draft picks as well.

The issue is who’s to say Jerami Grant won’t get bored or frustrated with the situation once again? The Denver Nuggets already have a solid rotation of Murray, MPJ, Gordon, and Jokic, with supporting help from KCP, Bones Hyland, Bruce Brown, and company. If Grant was on the Nuggets roster right now, he’d be nothing more than a sixth man in the rotation.

Denver already has a 3-and-D specialist in Aaron Gordon, who’s actually more of a threat on offense and in transition. He’s also more than happy with his role and has proven he can gel with Nikola Jokic. Ultimately, Grant’s a heck of a player, but given who the Nuggets already have on the roster and their history with Jerami, I commend them for not placing an offer.

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