December 15 unofficially marks the beginning of trade season in the NBA. Most players who signed contracts over the offseason are going to become eligible to be traded in less than a week.
The Portland Trail Blazers were quiet in last season's chaotic trade market as one of the only teams to stand pat at the deadline. With glaring roster holes due to untimely injuries and overall weaknesses, they can't afford to repeat history this time around.
There are several stars already being discussed as potential trade candidates, headlined by Giannis Antetokounmpo. But the Blazers, despite their win-now trade for 35-year-old Jrue Holiday, are taking a patient and long-term approach to their rebuild. If they do get involved in a trade, it wouldn't be surprising if it's a relatively minor move as they continue to take gradual steps back to playoff relevancy.
The obvious move to make is adding a shooter to a roster, as Portland is well on track to finish its third consecutive year ranking in the bottom five in three-point efficiency. But is there another move we may be overlooking?
Blazers should pursue Chris Paul as a bridge for their depleted backcourt
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported via The Stein Line on Substack (subscription required) that Los Angeles Clippers veteran Chris Paul is the most likely player to be dealt next Monday. This comes after the shocking news that the Clippers sent Paul, a franchise icon, home from a road trip last week.
I know what you're probably thinking. Portland just added two aging star guards in Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday. Do they really need to add another to a rebuilding roster? Well, I'll raise you with another question. After seeing the Blazers' 9-15 start and depleted backcourt with injuries to Scoot Henderson, Jrue Holiday, and Blake Wesley, how could you not think Portland desperately needs more help in the backcourt?
Paul's gas tank may be running on low at 40 years old, but that doesn't negate his ability as a floor general with one of the highest basketball IQs in the association. That'd be incredibly valuable for a Blazers team in need of more ballhandling, playmaking, and on-court leadership, especially given Holiday's recent injury history.
Paul has consistently elevated the floors of every team he's played for. He's not the sexy trade some Blazers fans are eager to see happen, but he quietly could prove to be the piece they need to get back into the postseason, as he's proven to be throughout his career.
Paul returned to the Clippers in part because he wanted to be close to family. Portland isn't too far away from Los Angeles. Stein also adds that, "playing time and role figure to trump logistics this time." Given the Blazers' backcourt situation, they can offer Paul just about everything he's looking for in a new landing spot, with perhaps the exception of a chance at a first ring.
It remains to be seen if the two parties have mutual interest, but it's quietly a perfect fit. Paul has played an enormous role in revamping rebuilds, and I don't see why things would be any different in Portland.