Anonymous NBA scout blasts Blazers GM Joe Cronin for asking two FRPs for Jerami Grant
An anonymous scout blasted Portland Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin for allegedly asking the LA Lakers for two first-round picks in exchange for Blazers forward Jerami Grant.
According to Lakers Daily, the inflated asking price comes in the hopes of taking advantage of the Lakers' desperate front office.
“Joe Cronin asking for two first-rounders for Jerami Grant is hilarious. Portland traded one first for him and then gave him that terrible contract. Why would he be more valuable now than he was when they landed him two years ago?”
GM Joe Cronin seems to be making use of the Lakers' desperate situation to net more assets to become competitive. Moreover, according to Anthony Irwin of Lakers Daily, Cronin has earned a reputation in the league as a strict negotiator who won't compromise from the original ask in a trade.
"Joe Cronin has developed a reputation as a strict negotiator who will not move off his price. This is best evidenced by his standoff last summer with Pat Riley that eventually saw Damian Lillard go to the Milwaukee Bucks instead of the Miami Heat."
Although his reputation may serve him in the Lakers' situation, other general managers may not be keen on doing business with Cronin.
That could eventually affect the Portland Trail Blazers' bid to become a competitive team again after finishing last in the Western Conference last season with a 21-61 record.
Exploring Jerami Grant to LA Lakers trade
The LA Lakers had a rather quiet offseason, as they didn't bring in any talent via free agency or made any changes on their roster apart from bringing in Dalton Knecht and Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft. Although they previously pursued players in the offseason, nothing came to fruition.
The Lakers now find themselves in a tough spot to enhance their roster to have a fighting chance soon, as their star players LeBron James and Anthony Davis are approaching the twilight of their careers.
With the limited options available to the LA Lakers, Jerami Grant has reportedly been on their radar, and his addition could spark momentum for the team. The six-foot-seven forward averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists last season, while shooting 45.1 percent from the field, including 40.2 percent from the deep.
Moreover, the Trail Blazers would be wise to move Jerami Grant while his value is high, as they are in a full rebuild mode and have a 30-year-old high-paid player who doesn't fit their timeline.