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Neil Olshey says Blazers involved in ‘big trade’ talks before 2017 Draft

By Nate Mann

PORTLAND, OR - JUNE 26: General Manager Neil Olshey and Head Coach Terry Stotts of the Portland Trail Blazers introduce Zach Collins and Caleb Swanigan to the media during a press conference on June 26, 2017 at the Trail Blazer Practice Facility in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - JUNE 26: General Manager Neil Olshey and Head Coach Terry Stotts of the Portland Trail Blazers introduce Zach Collins and Caleb Swanigan to the media during a press conference on June 26, 2017 at the Trail Blazer Practice Facility in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Neil Olshey mentioned how the Blazers were involved in high-profile trade talks prior to last year’s draft on a local podcast Monday.

After a brief appearance on ESPN’s coverage of the NBA Draft Combine, Neil Olshey continued his media run by speaking with Dwight Jaynes and Aaron Fentress on their NBC Sports Northwest podcast.

Early in the podcast, Jaynes asked Olshey about Chandler Hutchison. The Boise State guard/forward backed out of the combine last minute, indicating that a team promised him a draft selection.

Related Story: Chandler Hutchison could be the steal of the draft

But Olshey said he generally avoids making promises to prospects ahead of draft night. He has a moral obligation to draft that player after making a promise, no matter the circumstances. By not making any promises, Olshey can exhaust other options first.

For example, the Blazers traded picks No. 15 and 22 to the Sacramento Kings for pick No. 10 on draft night last summer. Agreeing to draft a player near the time of the combine limits these possibilities.

Although it appears as though Hutchison won’t don the red and black, Olshey hints at his openness to the idea of moving the draft pick.

‘Big Trade’

Neil Olshey also mentioned how Portland was part of major trade talks ahead of the 2017 draft.

He said, “And as it turned out, we were involved in potentially a big trade that would have conveyed multiple draft picks to the other team.”

Hmmmmmmm.

First thing that comes to mind is the recently surfaced LaMarcus Aldridge rumor. According to Ken Berger of Bleacher Report, Aldridge asked Lillard to speak with Olshey about bringing the All-Star power forward back to Portland.

The only way to get him without sacrificing either Dame or CJ McCollum would have involved moving all three 2017 draft picks. Still, it’s hard to imagine Gregg Popovich trading his second-best player for three non-lottery picks.

Unfortunately, Olshey will probably never reveal the trade he alluded to in Monday’s podcast.

Next: Zach Collins not on either NBA All-Rookie team

Blazers fans learned two things from Olshey’s answer to Jaynes’ question. One, Chandler Hutchison’s draft promise isn’t from the Blazers. Two, Portland tried to make a big trade using draft picks last summer.

Does that mean Olshey is looking to do the same this offseason? The Blazers only have one pick, but several players could be dealt in a package to clear cap space and add three-point shooting.