OKC Thunder: Revisiting Jerami Grant trade, one-year later

On the one-year anniversary, TI examines the OKC Thunder trade that sent Jerami Grant to the Nuggets.

On July 8th, 2019, the OKC Thunder executive president of basketball operations, Sam Presti traded Jerami Grant to the Denver Nuggets. This move was made two days after the shocking trade of Paul George to the LA Clippers.

The Grant deal wasn’t in the same stratosphere as the PG trade. Then again no trade will likely ever reach those lofty heights. With the George trade (and with Presti likely already knowing Russell Westbrook would be dealt) this move wasn’t that surprising.

Presti maintained OKC weren’t tanking, but entering a new Reposition and Replenish era. Yet, moving Grant was likely a result of the first trade (and upcoming Westbrook trade). OKC had picked up Danilo Gallinari in the package from the Clippers and had already signed Mike Muscala in free agency so with the team cutting costs it made Grant vulnerable.

OKC Thunder trade Grant two days after George trade

Although Grant’s 2019-20 salary was economical ($9.6 M) given his production the reality is the Thunder would save $36 million when taxes were figured in.  Additionally, Grant could opt-out at season end and we all know how much Presti prefers to extend or move players prior to them entering free agency.

While losing two superstars hurt, the exit of Grant was no less painful given how much the forward had grown in the Thunder system. In his final campaign with OKC he started 77 of his 80 games averaging *13.6 points, *5.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.3 blocks while shooting *39.2 percent from deep on *3.7 attempts.

*career highs at that stage of his career

In return for Grant, the Nuggets send their 2020 first-round draft pick protected 1 through 10. With the Nuggets safely inside the top 10 (6th), the pick is virtually guaranteed.

This is relevant since the Thunder could lose their own pick to the 76ers if they finish in the top 10. OKC is currently seeded ninth but is unlikely to fall to 11th. That said if the Jazz and Heat remained ahead of OKC and/or teams such as the Rockets, 76ers, Pacers, or Mavericks pushed them down to 11th via their final win percentage it’s feasible the Thunder could keep the pick.

With teams entering the Disney bubble to finish the 2019-20 regular season and both squads in the playoffs let’s consider the trade one year later.