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:

ample-bosom listed on couponmatrix.ukaspiga listed on couponmatrix.ukiflorist listed on couponmatrix.ukreel-cinemas listed on couponmatrix.ukwuka listed on couponmatrix.uk999inks listed on couponmatrix.uk
ample-bosom listed on couponmatrix.ukAmple Bosom do what they say on the tin by providing comfortable yet always stylish bras and lingerie for women with, well, a more ample bosom. If you do have a fuller figure, it can be hard to find the right fit which is why Ample Bosom pride themselves, not only on their products but also the fitting advice available. Stocking all major lingerie brands, including Goddess, Sloggi and Triumph, you're bound to find a bra and other complementary lingerie items to use your ample bosom discount code on.
aspiga listed on couponmatrix.ukPlanet-friendly fashion brand Aspiga is making waves, and it’s built up a collection of sustainability awards and nominations to back it up. From organic cotton to beach clean-ups, Aspiga does good in the world, and it’s a great choice for affordable sustainable fashion. We want to make it easy for shoppers to save on ethical clothing, so we’ve gathered all the Aspiga discount codes, sales and friend referrals in one place. Keep visiting our page for the latest Aspiga offers, subscribe to the newsletter for a 10% discount and check out the Aspiga sale for more amazing price cuts.
iflorist listed on couponmatrix.ukiflorist provides a flower service like no other. Whether you're in a last minute rush or are breezily browsing its glorious selection, you're sure to find something to suit the occasion. Say 'I love you' with a rose bouquet, 'thank you' with some heartening carnations or 'get well soon' with some tasteful cerise gerberas — all for less when you apply an iflorist voucher code from Groupon. Its easy to use website will have you on your way in no time!
reel-cinemas listed on couponmatrix.ukWant to see the biggest and best new blockbuster movies at a local, family-owned, independent cinema? Well, look no further! With Reel Cinema, you’ll be able to see all the latest films, plus plenty of exhibitions from local communities and more to keep the whole family entertained. Pick up your Reel Cinema vouchers and your next day out could be even cheaper than you think. With 13 cinemas across the UK, you’re never far from a screening of your next favourite film at Reel Cinema.
wuka listed on couponmatrix.ukWUKA is a game-changer when it comes to periods. Discrete, comfy and really affordable, WUKA period pants feel just like regular underwear and come in a range of sizes and styles including briefs, shorts and swimwear. If you’re curious about reducing your carbon footprint and ditching disposable pads and tampons for good, use a WUKA discount code to save on a few pairs of the most innovative pants you’ll buy this year! With bags of WUKA discounts and a 100% happiness guarantee, you’ll love your new WUKA pants or get your money back in store credit.
999inks listed on couponmatrix.uk999inks.co.uk is the UK's leading online retailer for printer ink cartridges and toners. They offer a wide range of products from major brands like HP, Canon, Epson and Brother, as well as compatible and remanufactured cartridges. With a wide range of products from ink and toner cartridges to stationery and paper, you can get all you need from 999inks.co.uk! And with our 999inks.co.uk coupon code, you can save even more on your purchase!