Franklin is a reporter for the Associated Press.
Jerami Grant is being viewed by league personnel as the player with the highest likelihood of being dealt before the Feb. 10 deadline, if Ben Simmons is the linchpin of the NBA's trade season.
Since July, the situation in Philadelphia has not changed, and the front office has so far rejected any Simmons offer that doesn't include a partner for Embiid who is on the wish list.
The Pistons' package of Grant, Saddiq Bey, Kelly Olynyk and a first-round pick, for example, was not met with much enthusiasm by Philadelphia brass, league sources told B/R.
Grant has attracted a number of interested parties as Simmons is unlikely to be moved. "He's the grand prize of this deadline," one team strategist said with apologies to Myles Turner.
The Lakers, Trail Blazers, Knicks, Jazz, Wizards, Celtics, Pacers, Timberwolves and Kings have all expressed interest in the 27-year-old.
Troy Weaver quickly declined any inquiry about Grant's availability after the forward surprisingly chose Detroit in free agency. Sources say Detroit is asking for two first-round picks or one first-round pick plus a high-upside young player.
That is a similar valuation to that of last season's top pick. Grant has one year left on his contract after this season, just like Gordon did. Grant is expected to sign a four-year extension worth $112 million this winter.
Gordon did the same thing when he was traded to Denver, he needed assurances of his plans to re-sign with the team. Grant doesn't want to join a new situation where he doesn't feature as a primary offensive option.
There was a close bidding war for Gordon. The Magic received interest from at least Denver, Boston, Portland and Minnesota, but ultimately got R.J. Hampton, Gary Harris and a first-round pick.
The sense around the league is that Detroit should be able to get what the Magic got for Gordon.
There's a belief that Detroit will be like Grant's patience. The versatile forward is currently out with a thumb injury. Grant is one of the few players on the trade block who can have a major impact on the playoffs, and the Pistons seem to understand his value in this current market.
The team strategist said that he fits everywhere.
An assistant general manager said that nothing has been done yet. They're just going to wait them all out, because he's going to have so many people.
Washington is seen as a favorite to land Grant by several league personnel. His father Harvey played for the franchise from 1988-93 and again from 1996-98. Grant was an assistant with the Nuggets when Wes Unseld was an assistant with the Wizards.
Despite general manager Tommy Sheppard's contract extension, Washington's front office is still under a lot of pressure to build the best team it can around Bradley Beal.
The Wizards are currently in the play-in tournament tier of teams, and Grant would be a great addition to their frontcourt. It's difficult to imagine a deal structure that doesn't send Deni Avdija or Rui Hachimura back to the Pistons. Montrezl Harrell's expiring contract can help make the salaries match, and he has been considered for a trade, according to league sources.
The Lakers are interested in Grant. Detroit won't be interested in a package of Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn. The Jazz's best offer included Joe Ingles' expiring $12.4 million salary and a future first-round pick. The Celtics were categorized to B/R as an unlikely destination after initial intrigue in Grant.
Jaden McDaniels is a second-year forward for Minnesota. B/R previously reported that the Minnesota Timberwolves have all their first-round picks, and as a result, they have an expendable piece in the form of Malik Beasley.
Detroit has a lot of speculative trade partners. Grant's fit with Ja Morant, Ja Morant, Ja Morant, Ja Morant, Ja Morant, Ja Morant, Ja Morant, Ja Morant, Ja Morant, Ja Morant, Ja Morant, Ja Morant, Ja Morant, Ja
Memphis has emerged as a surprise contender in the Western Conference because of a patient team-building strategy. The assistant general manager said that pushing their chips in to get Grant would be the opposite of their moves so far.
The Chicago Bulls are a mighty team. Despite being out for the season with a wrist injury, second-year forward Patrick Williams has a mountain of trade value, and the Chicago Bulls still have one potential all-in move up their sleeve.
There are deep connections between Williams and Detroit and Grant and Chicago. Williams was the Pistons' top 2020 NBA draft target at No. 7 before Chicago selected the Florida State product at No. 4. Weaver was known as a huge supporter.
There are three strong connections between the Bulls and Grant. Grant was traded to the Nuggets by the Oklahoma City Thunder, and several people were involved in the deal, including the general manager, head coach, and executive vice president of basketball operations.
Jerami Grant is an intriguing fit next to Lonzo Ball in the Chicago Bulls starting lineup.
The fit on the paper is clear. The Bulls' starting lineup could be filled by Grant immediately. Grant's second year would be his final one, as his three-year contract ends after the 24th season.
Karnisovas would need absolute confidence in Grant to move Williams. The front office mortgaged most of its future draft capital and sending out Williams, Jones and the first-round pick would lock the Bulls into an inflexible future. At this point, Chicago is not comfortable with that.
There is a world where Detroit holds on to Grant. Any player with a lead executive has a strong connection with Weaver.
Grant chose the Pistons over the Nuggets, which created a hole for Denver to acquire Gordon in the first place.
If the Pistons retain Grant, land another top-five lottery pick and continue to develop, what's preventing Detroit from emerging as a surprise playoff force in the Eastern Conference?
"If they don't blow you away, you might as well keep him," another assistant general manager said. If you have Paolo, Grant, Grant, you have something. Detroit wants one of the top three picks.
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