The Denver Nuggets pulled off an incredible run to reach the Western Conference Finals. A key factor in their success was the complementary impact of Jerami Grant— who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
The impressive play Grant provided the Nuggets should set him up for a nice payday in free agency. He displayed real versatility to play both forward spots— utilizing solid spot-up shooting and his athleticism on both ends.
According to Mike Singer of Denver Post, Grant is expected to have interest from the Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, and Phoenix Suns in free agency.
At least three other teams are expected to have interest in luring Grant from the Nuggets, according to two league sources.
Those three teams are the Atlanta Hawks, the Phoenix Suns and the Detroit Pistons. Only a handful of teams will have cap space, including those three. It’s always possible a team like Orlando makes a trade and create the requisite space to go after Grant.
Among these three teams, the Suns appear to be the best fit for Grant. He could slot in alongside Deandre Ayton and make for quite an athletic frontcourt without compromising floor spacing. Overall, an ascending Phoenix team would be even better equipped for next season.
It doesn’t seem to make much sense for the Hawks when considering they already have to pay John Collins soon and recently acquired Clint Capela in a trade. Unless, of course, Atlanta would rather sign Grant at a lower cost and find a trade suitor for Grant.
The Pistons could use talent to bolster its roster around Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin. The main stipulation is that unless Detroit were interested in playing Grant at the small forward spot, it wouldn’t be a clean fit with Griffin at the four.
As for the Nuggets, they will need to decide what they want to do with their power forward situation— like Jerami Grant, Paul Millsap is also set to be a free agent this offseason. Favoring the much younger option in Grant would be ideal, but will Denver be willing to compete with other team’s offers?
NBA Analysis Network brings you up-to-date information, news, and analysis about the Atlanta Hawks, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, and Phoenix Suns, along with all 30 teams in the league. Make sure to give us a follow on Twitter and like our Facebook page.
