Blazers Trade Watch: Tomorrow’s The Deadline
Lots of Activity Swirling Around Portland on Trade Deadline Eve
More popped up today regarding the Blazers and tomorrow’s deadline. It seems that GM Neil Olshey is interested in making a deal, with multiple sources reporting that the Blazers have been active.
We’re less than 24 hours away from the deadline with a move potentially happening any minute. Here is a recap.
Blazers Inquired about Andre Drummond
Per ESPN, it seems that Pistons star Andre Drummond is on the trading block. Drummond along with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are on the table, but the Pistons are asking for a non Sacramento offer.
Portland came calling, but immediately backed away once Detroit expressed interest in C.J. McCollum. Ramona Shelburne reported that the Blazers consider McCollum “untouchable” and have no interest parting ways with their star. This seems to make sense, as an Olshey draftee with a lucrative contract in effect next season, the Blazers have just invested too much to let him go now.
It’s nice to see Portland inquire though. There is no way the Blazers’ could put together a deal for Drummond that didn’t involve one of our stars. Unfortunately, Vlade Divac isn’t the Pistons’ GM so look for Detroit to land a star for star trade if anything happens.
Pacers Reportedly Interested in Crabbe and Davis
According to USA Today, the Pacers are taking offers. Even ones including franchise cornerstone Paul George.
The Pacers currently are in the middle of the pack when it comes to the Eastern Conference. Despite their breakout year with George, Roy Hibbert and Lance Stephenson a few years ago, the Pacers think they’ve reached the peak of their potential with George at the helm. They seem to be interested in a number of players, including Portland’s Allen Crabbe and Ed Davis. Crabbe has the trade restriction on him so he would need to grant permission to be traded. However a chance to fill George’s role as star wing could be enticing enough for him to accept it.
Must Read: Blazers Trade Watch: 3 Days Before Deadline
The risk here is that if Crabbe says no, then that causes a dramatic shift in the Blazers locker room. Also, a countdown clock to the end of Crabbe’s trade restriction probably starts the minute he rejects it.
If the Blazers landed PG-13 without giving up Damian Lillard or McCollum, then Portland has a big three for the ages.
Blazers Completely Aware of All Rumors
With seemingly every news outlet reporting Blazer rumors, everyone forgets that these are people. A lot of the Blazers have invested their lives to the city of Portland and hope to continue playing there. As Casey Holdahl reported today, even Lillard, who Sports Illustrated claimed should be on the table, said that the rumors are disheartening.
“If there was any truth to it, then that would be disheartening, especially for me because I’m really invested in Portland. I want to be here. It’s been tough to attract stars to Portland, historically, for this organization. For me to be 26 years old and invested in Portland and want to be in Portland, I don’t see why (being traded) would make sense.” – Damian Lillard
It’s nice to hear some loyalty from our star and leader. However, he has been having the type of year where it’s fair to question if he’s the right direction for the franchise.
That being said, if either Lillard or McCollum pack their bags, it will be a tough pill to swallow. They are the only bright spot on this team and watching them excel on another team would hurt.
We’re less than 24 hours away people!
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