Blazers trade rumors: Thomas Robinson concerned for good reason
By David MacKay
Portland Trail Blazers trade rumors: Thomas Robinson uneasy about his likelihood to be traded at the deadline
As the NBA Trade deadline approaches, many of the Portland Trail Blazers are safe. None of the starters will be shipped out, and it is unlikely that President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey will jeopardize chemistry by putting regular rotation players on the table. It is the deep bench that has grown uneasy. According to The Oregonian’s Joe Freeman, Thomas Robinson and Will Barton entered the All-Star break on a somber note:
"Jan 31, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Thomas Robinson (41) dunks during the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY SportsBefore the game, [Robinson] joked with teammates that he might not see them again. And then, after the Blazers had dismissed the Los Angeles Lakers 102-86, he was just about to push through the locker room doors to leave when he twisted around to give good friend and teammate Will Barton a hug.“I love you, Will,” Robinson said, as if it would be some time before he saw him again.Moments later, just before Barton left, he extended his hand to a reporter for a handshake.“If I don’t see you after the break,” Barton said, “it’s been real.”"
Robinson, especially, has reason to be concerned about the February 19th deadline. Not only does he have the most talent, athleticism, and potential of any available Trail Blazer, his contract is by far the most attractive to potential buyers.
Back in October, the Trail Blazers declined to exercise Robinson’s 4th year option, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer. This means that teams can clear cap space by acquiring him and letting him walk, or they can treat the rest of this season as a test run to see if they would like to convince him to stay long term.
The likelihood of Robinson being traded is increased by the Trail Blazers’ own needs as well. Portland is actively pursuing a wing player that will ideally cost them $5M-$8M. The easiest way for them to make salaries balance in such a deal is to make Robinson’s $3.7M contract central to the equation. Consider that the contracts of other potential trade pieces Barton, Victor Claver, and Allen Crabbe don’t even match Robinson’s contract when combined.
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This circles back to Robinson’s attractiveness to other teams: $3.7M is a pretty reasonable price for a rental, but also hefty enough to create financial freedom should he be dismissed this summer. Robinson is Portland’s most sellable piece in a buyer’s market. Since the Trail Blazers hope to be buyers themselves, it seems probable that any proposal they make or entertain would revolve around the gifted power forward.
Still, as you may have already read (here and elsewhere), the Trail Blazers are not going to pull the trigger on any deal that does not make the team undeniably better. The number of available players in this league that would be a good fit in Portland positionally, personally, and contractually are slim to none. Just because Robinson’s name is most likely to be called does not necessarily mean it is likely to be called.
The Trail Blazers have until next Thursday to decide the fate of the franchise. Will they push for a veteran and hopefully a deep playoff run? Probably, but pushing does little good unless someone else is willing to pull. This is likely to be another quiet deadline for Portland, unless Robinson generates some noise at the trade table… which he very well could.