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!

divan-beds-centre listed on couponmatrix.ukgarden-wildlife-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukisubscribe listed on couponmatrix.uknebula listed on couponmatrix.uktravelup listed on couponmatrix.ukwoburn-safari-park listed on couponmatrix.uk
divan-beds-centre listed on couponmatrix.ukDivan Beds Centre is one of the UK's leading suppliers of divan beds and bedroom furniture. They offer a wide range of products at great prices, with something to suit everyone's taste and budget. Plus, they regularly offer Divan Beds Centre discount codes, so you can save even more on something snug. With ottoman beds, headboards and made-to-measure designs to pick from, you’re bound to find the perfect sleeping pattern at Divan Beds Centres. Looking to save on your next purchase from Divan Beds Centre? Groupon can help! We work with Divan Beds Centre to bring you the best deals and Divan Beds discount codes. Whether you're looking for a new bed, mattress, or bedroom furniture, they've got you covered. Be sure to check back often, as we regularly update our selection of Divan Beds Centre promo codes and deals. Whatever the bed, there whole thing is useless without a good mattress to dress it. Luckily for you, Divan Beds Centre stock a wide array of mattresses to enjoy from memory foam to pocket sprung, so you can find the perfect one for you. Plus, with a Divan Beds Centre mattress promo code you’ll get an even better price on your luxury bedding. Say no to irregular and interrupted sleep, give yourself a welcome rest with Divan Bed Centre mattresses.
garden-wildlife-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukGarden Wildlife Direct is a family run business and the UK’s largest online independent bird food supplier. They are passionate about supporting nature and guarantee to offer the very best quality bird food at the best prices, all delivered direct to your door. With a passion for maintaining garden wildlife, Garden Wildlife Direct are dedicated to making caring for your garden wildlife both affordable and easy. Why not try them out for yourself and use a garden wildlife direct discount code to save money on your purchases?
isubscribe listed on couponmatrix.ukEnjoy regular reading on your favourite topic of choice with iSUBSCRiBE, the UK’s largest print and digital magazine subscription service. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a travel blogger or a tech whizz, an iSUBSCRiBE discount code is all you need to knock the cost of some solid reading material. With a great selection of subscription boxes covering everything food and drink to arts and crafts also available to order, there’s a little something for every kind of customer to enjoy at iSUBSCRiBE. At Groupon, we love finding ways to help you save money. That's why we've gathered together some of the best discount codes for iSUBSCRiBE that you can use to get a great deal on your next purchase. Whether you're looking for 10% off your first order or 5% off all orders over £50, we've got you covered. So be sure to take advantage of these discount codes before they expire! From the ancient battlefields of Rome to the latest football signings, there seems to be no end to the topics you can explore with iSUBSCRiBE magazines. Offering competitive prices on multiple editions of popular titles like Good Housekeeping and National Geographic, an iSUBSCRiBE voucher code can help you save even more on a whole treasure trove of knowledge and helpful titbits. So regardless of if you’re looking for new recipes, yoga routines or musical inspiration, you’ll find affordable options for every subject at iSUBSCRiBE.
nebula listed on couponmatrix.ukExperience the magic of cinema in your own space with Nebula's epic smart projectors. Each frame bursts with brilliantly sharp detail, bringing movies and TV shows to life in a whole new way. Nebula's laser projectors are not only powerful but also designed with ergonomics in mind, making them easily portable wherever you go. The renowned Cosmos and Capsule projectors deliver cinema-worthy brightness and audio quality, guaranteeing an immersive viewing experience. Now, you can enjoy all this greatness while saving with a Nebula discount code from Groupon. Whether it's an action-packed blockbuster, a classic rom-com, or an exhilarating series, this powerful piece of kit ensures that every story is showcased in all its glory.
travelup listed on couponmatrix.ukDreaming of a getaway? Travelup is your one stop shop for flights, accommodation, car rentals and more - streamline your booking process and save money while you’re at it! With a Travelup voucher code from us, you can plan the perfect holiday without forking out a fortune. Whether you’re dreaming of a sun-drenched Antipodean escape or a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge Travelup will get you there.
woburn-safari-park listed on couponmatrix.ukYou can meet over 1,000 animals when you visit Woburn Safari Park, including lions, tigers and even bears. It’s a great place for a family day out packed with hours of fun in a beautiful environment. Your Woburn Safari Park vouchers will let you drive down the road with lions, feed nectar to colourful parrots, experience great keeper talks, and so much more. Woburn Safari Park is also committed to wildlife conservation and is internationally recognised for its efforts, so you can enjoy the park with full peace of mind that the animals are well cared for.