The Hawks could revamp their roster around Trae Young by acquiring Jerami Grant through a three-team trade involving the Blazers and Cavaliers.
The Atlanta Hawks have had a notable offseason, drafting a high-upside project like Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 overall pick and trading former All-Star Dejounte Murray after two underwhelming seasons alongside Trae Young. With the team currently in a transitional phase, they could either lean into a rebuild or make moves to compete. Trae Young’s dismissal of trade rumors suggests the franchise remains committed to building a contender around him.
To stay competitive in the increasingly tough Eastern Conference, where teams like the Magic, Pacers, and Cavaliers have surpassed them in recent years, the Hawks need to make a significant move. Acquiring a player like Jerami Grant could provide the wing presence they need, offering a better fit with Young and increasing their chances of success. A three-team deal involving the Cavaliers could facilitate the trade, with Cleveland potentially interested in upgrading their own wing position.
Trade Details
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Jerami Grant, Sam Merrill
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: De’Andre Hunter, Kris Murray
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Caris LeVert, Kobe Bufkin, Georges Niang, 2025 First-Round Pick (SAC), 2026 Second-Round Pick (CLE), 2028 Second-Round Pick (CLE)
This deal allows both the Hawks and Cavs to make upgrades to their roster, though the Hawks receive the best player in the deal by a margin. Hunter is a solid addition to the Cavs wing given their instability at that position the last two seasons. The Blazers walk away with a healthy return themselves, receiving a young prospect like Bufkin along with draft assets.
The Atlanta Hawks are aiming to push toward contention, but they’ve fallen behind in the competitive Eastern Conference. A few years ago, they were expected to outpace teams like the Knicks, who have since transformed into serious contenders. Meanwhile, the Pacers, Magic, and Cavaliers have also surpassed the Hawks in recent seasons.
Jerami Grant, who averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists last season, stands out as one of the best three-and-D forwards in the league. While he’s not just a hustle player and prefers to be involved offensively, he’s proven he can handle that role and could be a valuable asset alongside a star like Trae Young. Grant’s offensive versatility and defensive prowess make him an ideal fit next to Trae, providing the Hawks with the step forward they need.
This acquisition would also give Zaccharie Risacher the necessary time to develop into a reliable starting forward on a contending team. With three years left on his contract, Grant’s deal would expire when he’s 33, allowing Risacher to gradually transition into the primary wing role as Grant’s replacement. This gives the Hawks a solid plan for both immediate competitiveness and long-term development.
The Cavaliers have struggled to fill the small forward position since acquiring Donovan Mitchell two years ago. While they had hoped Isaac Okoro would be the answer, he is now in restricted free agency as of early September, and it’s apparent that his value has diminished compared to a few seasons ago. If Okoro does return, he isn’t expected to play a pivotal role.
Instead of relying on Okoro primarily for defense or Max Strus for offense, this trade would provide the Cavaliers with a proven starting two-way forward. Acquiring a player like Jerami Grant would address their need for a reliable small forward who can contribute on both ends of the floor, offering a solid solution to their ongoing roster issue.
Hunter averaged 15.6 points and 3.9 rebounds last season, and he would integrate seamlessly into the Cavaliers’ defensive-focused identity. His addition would enhance perimeter defense, complementing the talented big-man duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Offensive duties will remain with the undersized backcourt of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, so Hunter will need to make the most of his limited offensive opportunities.
With Hunter on the roster, the Cavaliers’ defense would become even more formidable. Mitchell would continue to handle point-of-attack duties against guards, while Hunter could take on swingmen and forwards, with Mobley effectively managing self-creating big forwards. The cost of acquiring Hunter may seem high, but it could be a significant win for Cleveland if they successfully integrate him into their system.
The Trail Blazers are poised to target the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, as they are the only team in the Western Conference this season with a clear intent to tank. Their focus is on developing their young core, including Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and others, and keeping Jerami Grant could hinder this process. Grant was instrumental in winning games for the Blazers last season, so moving him is crucial for their rebuilding strategy.
Caris LeVert, who averaged 14.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists last season, is a prime candidate for a trade or could be kept as a mentor for younger guards like Sharpe and Henderson. Kobe Bufkin, another promising young guard, could join their core, known for his potential as a standout defender and coming off his rookie season. Georges Niang, who had a solid performance with the Cavs last season, would also be included in the deal.
Letting Jerami Grant go will open up minutes for the new forward acquisition, Deni Avdija, and the other young talents on the Blazers’ roster. With Grant being over 30 and on a less-than-ideal contract, keeping him could hinder the development of their young core. The Blazers would be pleased with this trade, as it allows them to prioritize their rebuilding efforts without Grant potentially disrupting their developmental timeline.
This Deal Benefits All Teams Involved
Hawks: The Hawks gain a significant wing upgrade with Jerami Grant, who would complement nearly every player on their roster. A forward combination of Jalen Johnson and Grant, paired with either Clint Capela or Onyeka Okongwu at center, could be formidable. If the Hawks start Dyson Daniels alongside Trae Young, they’d have four strong defenders on the floor, which could help cover for Young’s defensive lapses and boost the team’s overall performance.
Cavaliers: The Cavaliers are close to success and have a young core that is developing well. This trade allows them to acquire a major wing upgrade in De’Andre Hunter at minimal cost, despite some concerns about his contract. Hunter’s versatility as a multi-positional 3-and-D player should significantly enhance their on-court performance.
Blazers: For the Blazers, this move reinforces their commitment to tanking. Grant’s departure allows them to focus fully on their rebuilding efforts. While Anfernee Simons might also be a candidate for departure, Grant’s exit is particularly important given his age and the potential value he could bring to a contending team, making this trade a smart move for Portland.