While Nikola Mirotic has been the subject of most recent trade rumors out of Chicago, he’s not the only player on the roster who could be on the move before the deadline. According to K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune, who cites one team executive from each conference, the Bulls have gauged potential trade interest in point guard Jerian Grant.
Grant, 25, has averaged 7.8 PPG and 4.7 APG in 44 games this season for the Bulls. Although he opened the 2017/18 campaign as Chicago’s starting point guard, the former Notre Dame standout has seen his role reduced as of late as Kris Dunn assumed starting duties.
While Dunn has taken over some of Grant’s minutes, other Bulls may eat into his playing time going forward as well. Zach LaVine is back in the lineup and is expected to get some opportunities to handle the ball. Additionally, Cameron Payne is progressing toward a return from a foot injury, so Chicago will likely want to take an extended look at him in the second half to see how he fits in the club’s long-term plans.
Ultimately, Grant may be somewhat expendable, so it makes sense that the Bulls are exploring the market for possible deals. While the club probably shouldn’t expect a significant return for the ex-Knick, he does have a team-friendly contract. Grant will earn about $1.71MM this year and $2.64MM next season before becoming eligible for restricted free agency in 2019.
He somewhat resembles Michael Jordan in this pic.
If you can get a new set of basketballs for him, then it’s a steal of a deal for the Bulls