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Portland Trail Blazers: Top draft priority for each Northwest Division team

By Austin Carroll

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 11: Paul George #13 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder look on after the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 11, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 11: Paul George #13 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder look on after the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 11, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 30: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers follows the game from the bench during the second half against Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 30, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 30: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers follows the game from the bench during the second half against Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 30, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
  • 2018-19 record: 49-33 (4th in Northwest Division)
  • Draft picks: #21

Draft Priority: Swing a Deal for Kevin Love

Yes, the Thunder are reportedly trying to get under the luxury tax. No, that doesn’t mean they have to give up in their pursuit of a final piece to help chase a championship. With Cleveland’s star Kevin Love returning from injury and on the trade block, now would be the perfect time to make a move for him.

The Thunder are also placing Steven Adams and Dennis Schroeder on the block in an effort to drop back under the $132 million luxury tax threshold. With $146.8 million currently on the books, they’ll need to shed $15 million this offseason. Sending Schroeder and an expiring contract in Patrick Patterson would clear $21 million and give the Thunder a little bit of wiggle room.

Oklahoma City could use that space to package a deal together for Love that centers around Adams. Adams is only 25-years-old and fits Cleveland’s rebuilding timeline much better, while Love provides spacing and an extra offensive threat to help elevate the team to title contention. Love only makes $3 million more than Adams next year, so the Thunder would still have enough room to add another role player on the vet minimum to help chase a title.

Top Draft Target: Whoever They’re Told to Pick

With by far the most expensive team in the league, the Thunder simply can’t afford to pay whoever they draft. The No. 21 pick isn’t going to do enough to tip the scales in their favor next year regardless. Instead, they should try to package the pick with the aforementioned Schroeder and Patterson to a team in need of a point guard like the Chicago Bulls or Phoenix Suns.

If all goes to plan, the Thunder will be taking orders from another team during tonight’s draft.