Trail Blazers Alternatives to a Superstar Trade

With the Portland Trail Blazers slowly drifting out of the 2023 NBA Playoffs picture, attention is turning to the NBA Draft in June and, just as significantly, to the upcoming trade and free agent period in July. Portland will be capped out and limited in their ability to sign players, but the possibility of a big trade burns like a torch in the darkness of the minds of Blazers fans.

That’s the subject of today’s Blazer’s Edge Mailbag question, a little bit of a gimme, but still important in setting parameters and expectations for the summer ahead.

Dave,

It looks as though another year is in the books for the Blazers, and not in a good way either. GM Joe Cronin has talked about eventually “pushing in all his chips” in order to capitalize on a big trade.

It seems to me that with Dame still playing like an all-world player (but still getting up in years — the clock is ticking!) the time to do something BIG is this summer. Presuming our “chips” include a package of Simons, Nurkic, & Sharpe plus a plethora of picks and pick swaps, what all star/super star player might realistically be gettable for Portland this offseason besides the oft-talked about Joel Embiid?

Sincerely,

There’s always next year

Yeah, let’s talk about this.

There’s a reason we’re all starting to stack up draft picks like so many coupon codes, plus lining up all the players off the team that could possibly be spared, all to take a swing at a perhaps-discontented Joel Embiid. That reason lies in twin realities:

  1. Embiid is a superlative basketball player.
  2. That’s the only kind of player who’s going to turn the ship around at this point.

If the Blazers were close to contention or if they had a long-term window to try for it, these kind of offers would seem nonsensical. “Why would we trade away seven draft picks and three good-to-great prospects for a single guy?

Mortgage our present AND foreseeable future? That’s idiotic!”

Portland’s window isn’t just short, it’s immediate. Judging by this season’s performance, the distance between them and a title isn’t just long, it’s Grand Canyon-esque.

Under those conditions, trading the farm for Embiid makes sense.

There’s a shadow side to that realization. It makes sense because only a player of that caliber will do. There are no substitutes or consolation prizes. Obviously Portland could trade away those shiny picks in ones and twos for lesser-level players who would help them rise from outside the play-in picture to low-mid-bracket status.

The destination wouldn’t be worth the cost. They have to make the giant leap. That requires a giant player.

Knowing this, you can almost answer your own question.

Is Giannis available? How about Kevin Durant or Nikola Jokic? What’s LeBron’s long-term status?

We could list a couple others, but you get it. If that player coming back doesn’t go by one name and make you jump out of your seat, it’s not the same deal.

Knowing that, you can gauge the likelihood of the Blazers actually pulling this off. “Realistically be gettable” doesn’t really belong in this discussion. We’re hoping for miracles, watching for NBA Santa to stuff something down the chimney.

I don’t mean to be discouraging.

I’m curious to see if they can pull it off. But we already know it’s a high-wire act with no net: entertaining to watch, but you wouldn’t want to be the guy in slippers up there.

The next best version of the Big Trade Plan would be getting someone like Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, or (for some) OG Anunoby, who offers hope that if the team gels quickly, they might be relevant. Overpaying for that kind of player might be more dangerous than just getting another solid piece to replace the departed Josh Hart and letting them run it back again with lower cost in future assets.

As I’ve said before, I hope they don’t do either.

One of two things is true.

Either the Blazers will get the player who vaults them into immediate, inarguable contention or they won’t. If they can’t make that leap, the only choices left will be to face reality and change the plan or keep pretending for another season. Both those futures are scary.

That’s why, for now, curling up on the couch hugging the teddy bear of a possible superstar trade is the best, or at least most comforting, option.

Thanks for your question!

You all can send yours to [email protected] and we’ll try to address as many as we can!

Tags:

ed-place listed on couponmatrix.uki-want-one-of-those listed on couponmatrix.ukihg-hotels listed on couponmatrix.ukjust-sheepskin listed on couponmatrix.ukpricelinecom listed on couponmatrix.ukthe-personalised-gift-shop listed on couponmatrix.uk
ed-place listed on couponmatrix.ukLooking for an EdPlace discount code? You've come to the right place! Check out our selection of deals at EdPlace and save on your next order. Whether you're looking for a new maths tutor or some resources to help your child catch up, EdPlace has you covered. Online learning may just be what’s needed to give your kid the edge on their exams, so explore digital learning resources at EdPlace and help your youngster achieve. At Groupon, we know that saving money is important to our customers. That's why we work hard to find the best EdPlace discount codes and EdPlace voucher codes. We want you to be able to get the resources you need at a price that fits your budget. So whether you're looking for a new tutor or some extra resources, be sure to check out our selection of EdPlace codes before you checkout. You might just find the perfect code for your needs! If you're looking for high-quality resources to help your child succeed in school, look no further than EdPlace. Their team of experts have put together a range of resources that are perfect for catch-up, revision and practice. And with our EdPlace voucher codes, you can get them at a great price! So why wait? Get started today and see the difference EdPlace can make to your child’s intellect.
i-want-one-of-those listed on couponmatrix.ukI Want One of Those is an online retailer offering gifts in the form of homeware, gadgets, gizmos, toys and office accessories as well as organised adventures. With Groupon you can make use of a I Want One of Those discount code to save on your best friend's new drone or cut the cost of your dad's new whisky decanter. With regularly changing offers, gift ideas for people of all ages and a constantly growing selection of stock, get shopping to secure a bargain price on your next present.
ihg-hotels listed on couponmatrix.ukAn unforgettable experience awaits at IHG. Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet on a business trip, a memorable romantic getaway or celebration for all the family, you’ll find your dream home from home at an IHG hotel. Save on the price of your next trip away with our IHG discount codes and offers – thanks to our round-up of discounts, you can easily book the best hotels in vibrant cities across the globe. Expect amazing membership rewards and incredible prices when you travel the world with IHG.
just-sheepskin listed on couponmatrix.ukAt Just Sheepskin, style and comfort really do go hand in hand. If you're in the market for the most luxurious of sheepskin boots and shoes, to keep all shapes and sizes of tootsies happy then you've definitely come to the right place. Established in 2002, Just Sheepskin mission was to share the exceptional properties of sheepskin with the world, through a visionary catalogue of boots. Built with style and perfection in mind, why not treat yourself with a just sheepskin voucher code and get ready to experience the ultimate in cosiness.
pricelinecom listed on couponmatrix.ukPriceline makes finding the best price simple. Whether you’re travelling to Spain, Greece or beyond, Priceline searches high and low for fantastic deals on everything from hotels and flights to car hire and experiences. Let Priceline handle the hard work for you, and then use your Priceline promo code to get an even better discount on your next holiday. Keep an eye on the latest Priceline offers here at Groupon, where you can save on every element of your holiday.
the-personalised-gift-shop listed on couponmatrix.ukMake the next gift you give truly special with The Personalised Gift Shop. They have over 10 years of gifting experience and know what really brings a smile to people’s faces. Now with your The Personalised Gift Shop discount code you can get all the gifts you want for less. Every product is made as quickly and carefully as possible so you can get that personalised message in time for the wedding, graduation or baby shower that you need.