The Portland Trail Blazers are open to the idea of a blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer, but need assurance that he's open to an extension to stay in the Pacific Northwest. Giannis has already made it clear he doesn't want to come to Portland, running the risk of a one-year rental should he decline his player option. If the Blazers want to pursue a "safer" superstar, Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant may actually be a realistic option.
In fact, The Ringer's Michael Pina recently named Portland among several other teams that would have "varying degrees of interest" in Durant, depending on how these playoffs shake out.
Blazers could have interest in Kevin Durant
While there's a similar concern surrounding Durant's player option in 2027-28, the risk would be mitigated by the relatively limited assets Portland would have to surrender. Durant is already 37 years old, and it's safe to say his first year in Houston hasn't gone to plan. It's feasible to see a scenario in which he's happier chilling in Portland with an up-and-coming core that's actually better suited for his strengths and weaknesses, especially at this point in his career.
The Blazers desperately need to pursue a floor spacer and shot creator this summer, considering they have ranked as one of the worst three-point shooting teams throughout their entire rebuild. Adding Durant into the equation would be similar to what the Rockets intended in terms of bringing a veteran superstar into the mix to help their ascending young core take yet another step.
Unfortunately for Houston, this playoff run has exposed glaring flaws in its young core, as the team is now down 1-3 in its series with the Los Angeles Lakers. Portland has similar concerns of its own to address, but they also have a much better mix of youth and veterans to make a more immediate impact.
A potential starting lineup of Damian Lillard-Jrue Holiday-Deni Avdija-Kevin Durant-Donovan Clingan would instantly become a contender, even in the stacked Western Conference. While Portland would have multiple aging stars who aren't the players they once were, this is exactly the type of star power they need to pursue this summer.
We would oppose the idea of acquiring Durant if Portland had to pay a premium. But his fit in Houston is already looking murky just one season later, presenting Portland with a perfect opportunity to buy low at the ideal time.
Add us as a preferred source on Google