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NBA Rumors: Jerami Grant, Cam Johnson Among Pistons Targets in Free Agency

Mike Chiari

The Detroit Pistons reportedly have interest in wings Jerami Grant and Cam Johnson ahead of free agency this offseason.

Appearing on the HoopsHype Podcast, James Edwards of The Athletic said Grant is arguably the biggest name the Pistons are pursuing, and they "went into the offseason with the anticipation of trying to get him."

Edwards added that he believes Detroit "at least throws an offer sheet" at Johnson as well, although the Brooklyn Nets could match it since he is a restricted free agent.

If the Pistons sign Grant, it would be a quick reunion, as Detroit traded him to the Portland Trail Blazers prior to the 2022-23 season.

After stints with the Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets, Grant signed a three-year contract with the Pistons and enjoyed the two best seasons of his career to that point.

In 2020-21, Grant averaged a career-high 22.3 points and 2.8 assists per game to go along with 4.6 rebounds, 2.1 made three-pointers and 1.1 blocks. He followed that up in 2021-22 with averages of 19.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.9 made three-pointers and 1.0 blocks per game.

The Blazers then sent multiple draft picks to Detroit in exchange for Grant in the hope of making him a second star alongside guard Damian Lillard after trading CJ McCollum to the New Orleans Pelicans a few months before.

Although the Blazers missed the playoffs again, Grant had another solid season with averages of 20.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.3 made three-pointers.

Johnson spent parts of his first four NBA seasons with the Phoenix Suns before getting traded to Brooklyn this season along with Mikal Bridges and draft picks for future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant.

The 2019 No. 11 overall draft pick out of North Carolina was a useful player for Phoenix over his first few seasons, especially as a shooter, but he truly blossomed this season.

In 42 games split between the Suns and Nets, Johnson averaged career highs across the board with 15.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.5 made three-pointers, 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals per contest. Johnson also shot a career-best 47.0 percent from the field and shot 40.4 percent from downtown as well.

Edwards noted that Grant and Johnson are two of the top three-and-D players available, and they both already have strong ties to the Pistons.

In addition to having already played two seasons for the Pistons, Grant reportedly loves the city of Detroit and has a "great relationship" with general manager Troy Weaver.

Meanwhile, Johnson played under Monty Williams in Phoenix, and Williams is the Pistons' new head coach following his Suns ouster.

Detroit already has a talented, young core highlighted by Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, plus it owns the No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft.

The Pistons could be a team on the rise in the coming years. Adding a free agent the caliber of Grant or Johnson would likely accelerate the rebuilding process even more.

   

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