Detroit Pistons star Jerami Grant and Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons are two of the biggest names that have been mentioned in trade rumors this season.
Interestingly, it sounds like the possibility of Grant and Simmons switching uniforms was on the table at one point. According to a report, the Pistons offered the Sixers a big package of assets, including Grant, in exchange for Simmons. The Sixers, however, weren’t thrilled with the offer.
“If Ben Simmons is the linchpin of the NBA’s trade season, Jerami Grant is being viewed by league personnel as the best player with the highest likelihood of being dealt prior to the Feb. 10 deadline,” wrote Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.
“The situation in Philadelphia hasn’t changed since July: Daryl Morey’s front office has thus far rebuffed any Simmons offer that hasn’t included an All-Star-caliber partner for Joel Embiid who’s on the Sixers’ 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. But when that deal construct began to circle around rival NBA front offices this fall, it also alerted teams to Grant’s surprising availability.”
Simmons still hasn’t appeared in a game this season. It remains to be seen whether or not that will change at some point, and if it does change, it’s a mystery if it’ll happen with the Sixers or a different team.
Simmons is a triple-double threat and elite defender, but his woes as a shooter remain a concern in the eyes of many.
As for Grant, he’s having a strong season with Detroit. The 27-year-old is averaging 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 41.4 percent from the field and 33.1 percent from deep.
Grant, who reportedly has high hopes for a big deal this offseason, is currently sidelined due to a thumb injury.
