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:

california-shutters listed on couponmatrix.ukdominos-pizza listed on couponmatrix.ukhugo-boss listed on couponmatrix.ukneat-nutrition listed on couponmatrix.uknip-fab listed on couponmatrix.ukthe-original-tour listed on couponmatrix.uk
california-shutters listed on couponmatrix.ukStyle, simplicity and sunlight are at the heart of California Shutters, the UK-based plantation shutter manufacturer with an eco-friendly ethos. Whether you want privacy for your living space or versatility to combat those summer rays, a California Shutters discount code is all that’s needed to secure savings on your shutters of choice. Timeless, adaptable and a much better alternative than shutting light out entirely, you’ll quickly notice the difference a delicate pair of shutters makes to your interior lighting and atmosphere.
dominos-pizza listed on couponmatrix.ukWho doesn’t love the delectable delights of a fresh Domino’s pizza? The famous brand has become synonymous with a good night in since it first arrived on British shores in 1985. Then based only in Luton, the chain would quickly prove popular. With over 1,200 branches now dotted throughout the country, it’s fair to say Domino’s is undoubtedly one of the most successful foreign imports of the 20th century. Whether you’re recovering from a slightly heavy night, want something to snack on during a movie or sporting event, or just fancy treating yourself, Domino’s is always just a call or click away.
hugo-boss listed on couponmatrix.ukAs a luxury fashion house for men, women and children, Hugo Boss is a cut above the rest when it comes to impeccably designed garments. From Hugo Boss suits to trainers, this brand is renowned for great quality fashion that never goes out of style. Now, there’s a way you can sample this high-end brand while bypassing the designer price tag: just check out Groupon’s Hugo Boss discount codes. We’re always searching for new ways you can get a price reduction at Hugo Boss, so take a look at our page and make luxury a possibility.
neat-nutrition listed on couponmatrix.ukNeat Nutrition is a leading provider of healthy, delicious and nutritious food products. Neat Nutrition promo codes offer great discounts on their range of products, making it easy for you to eat well and save money at the same time. Whether you're looking for healthy snacks or full meals, Neat has something for everyone. And with Neat Nutrition discount codes, you can get even more value for your money. So why not try Neat today? At Groupon, we understand that saving money is important to our customers. That's why we work hard to find Neat Nutrition promo codes and Neat Nutrition discounts. We want you to be able to enjoy the healthy, delicious food that Neat has to offer without breaking the bank. So check back often for the latest promo codes on Neat Nutrition products to get the best deal on your order. If you're looking for a delicious and nutritious way to start your day, look no further than Neat Nutrition's Breakfast Bundle. This bundle includes their popular oatmeal, granola and protein bars, all of which are made with natural, healthy ingredients. And with our Neat Nutrition promo codes, you can get a discount on your purchase. So why not try the Breakfast Bundle today? You'll be glad you did!
nip-fab listed on couponmatrix.ukNip and Fab are the beauty, skincare, and makeup range we’ve been waiting for. With no fear of innovative methods and exciting ingredients, they’ll have you looking salon fresh without any nasty needles. With your Nip and Fab discount code, you can finally get the look you’ve been dreaming of without needing to let a tight budget stand in the way of your perfect products. At Nip and Fab, the only limit is what they can imagine up next!
the-original-tour listed on couponmatrix.ukSit back and enjoy the extraordinary sights of London with Tootbus. Established in 1951, Tootbus (first known as The Original Tour) was the very first tour bus in London - and it's still as loved today as it was back then. Sample city life with a one day hop-on-hop-off ticket or explore at your own pace with a 48 or 72-hour ticket. Book with a Tootbus promo code and climb on board with the best rate going. See Big Ben, Parliament, The Tower Of London, Westminster Abbey and so much more from your seat today!