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:

activity-superstore listed on couponmatrix.ukdormeo listed on couponmatrix.ukjust-sheepskin listed on couponmatrix.ukmuji listed on couponmatrix.uknewmarket-holidays listed on couponmatrix.uksonic-direct listed on couponmatrix.uk
activity-superstore listed on couponmatrix.ukActivity Superstore is the home for making memories. Activity Superstore has it all, including driving experiences, paintballing, seaside getaways and quirky gifts like zombie paintball or a wizard-themed afternoon tea! Whether you’re searching for birthday, anniversary or Christmas gifts, you can get more for your money using an Activity Superstore discount code taken from Groupon. Treat your mum to a spa trip for two or take the family out on an adventure day – there’s so much to explore with Activity Superstore!
dormeo listed on couponmatrix.ukGet the 40 winks you’ve always wanted with Dormeo, the bed brand that offers super high-quality mattresses and bedding without super high prices! With a Dormeo discount code from us in hand, you’ll be able to bring down that price of a brand spanking new bed to an all-time low, letting you have sweet dreams for less. If you’re looking for some sleepspiration then be sure to check out the Dormeo Sleep Blog for decoration ideas and more.
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.
muji listed on couponmatrix.ukMuji is your ultimate one-stop location for all things classic and timeless in style - from furniture to beauty products, the online store has something for every room in your home and every purpose. A Muji promo code will help you redo that living room for less and reimagine your ensuite without breaking the bank - your credit card will thank us later! Make your home into the peaceful oasis you’ve always wanted it to be with Muji today.
newmarket-holidays listed on couponmatrix.ukBook in for the trip of the lifetime with Newmarket Holidays, the company getting you amazing rates on flights to places you’ll love - since 1983 the company has been taking customers on incredible holidays and now with a Newmarket Holidays discount code you can take that break without sacrificing your savings! Whether you like soaking up the sun or wandering the back streets, you’re sure to find an escape you love with Newmarket Holidays.
sonic-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukWelcome to Sonic Direct, the one stop outlet for all your TV and home appliances. With thousands of products available from cookers to dishwashers and everything in between, Sonic Direct provide exceptional quality home appliances for an affordable price. Whatever your homes needs, you won't find a better price than Sonic Direct, and with Sonic Direct discount codes you can enjoy the product range for even less. Whether you need a toaster, blender or hair dryer, you'll find it all with Sonic Direct.