Raptors: 3 trades that could ruin Toronto’s fading playoff hopes
By Mike Luciano
Raptors rumor No. 1: Boston acquires Jerami Grant from Detroit
The Celtics appear ready to finally part with some of their precious draft picks, as they want to pry Grant away from the rebuilding Pistons as they look to overcome their playoff demons. After becoming a solid fourth or fifth scoring option in Oklahoma City and Denver, Grant has stepped on the accelerator in Detroit.
Grant has averaged just under 24 points per game during his time with the Pistons, showing that he can be a featured scoring option if absolutely necessary. With Toronto’s struggles on the interior, Grant could be a game-changer if they meet again in the postseason.
If he goes to the Celtics, the lanky power forward could give Boston the scoring punch they need inside and out, which could spell doom for the Raptors.
Jerami Grant could help the Celtics pull away from the Raptors
With the Raptors likely not having the assets to trade for Grant, they need to hope that Boston doesn’t reverse course and bring Grant to Beantown. With Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker, and Jaylen Brown all operating around the perimeter, Grant gives them more production inside.
Anunoby is a fantastic defender, but they only have one of him. If he vacillates between Tatum and Brown, who locks down Grant? Aron Baynes? Yikes.
Grant would have to give up plenty of scoring, but his play with the Nuggets last year, which helped them reach the Western Conference Finals, could be a precursor of what he might be able to do to the Raptors if the Celtics get him.