The Portland Trail Blazers are a team to keep an eye on in their first offseason under new owner Tom Dundon. They are looking to build off their playoff appearance and upgrade their roster for what will hopefully be a deep playoff run.
Portland already has key factors working in its favor, whether it's the anticipated return of Damian Lillard or the continued development of its young core. But in all likelihood, they'll need to make an external addition to survive a few rounds in the brutal Western Conference.
That's where Kevin Durant comes into play, who suddenly looks like the ideal star trade target for Portland.
Durant checks a lot of boxes for the star power Portland should be pursuing this summer, but in some ways, it's more of a process of elimination thing. No other stars rumored to be available this offseason make perfect sense for the unique position the Blazers find themselves in as a team straddling two timelines.
No other available stars truly fit the Blazers
They're already in pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it's not a worthwhile risk for Portland to sacrifice its future if they can't get a long-term commitment.
The Blazers could use those Bucks picks acquired in the Damian Lillard deal to facilitate a Giannis blockbuster, but those secondary star options are dwindling as the trade rumors progress. For instance, on Tuesday, NBA insider Jake Fischer named five teams that are likely out of the sweepstakes: Oklahoma City, Cleveland, Minnesota, Houston, and Boston. That makes it increasingly difficult for the Blazers to turn that draft capital into a star like Chet Holmgren, Evan Mobley, Jaden McDaniels, Alperen Sengun, or Jaylen Brown.
Yes, Durant is on the Rockets as well, but after the drama surrounding Houston's season and their underwhelming first-round playoff exit, one has to believe he's more easily attainable. Portland wouldn't have to make as much of an all-in move to land a 37-year-old star, while Houston should be more compelled to continue adding to its young core as the postseason exposed serious flaws going forward.
Two other trade targets linked to Portland this summer have been New Orleans Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III and Washington Wizards forward Anthony Davis.
Murphy is a perfect two-way fit and aligns well with the Blazers' timeline, but is borderline untouchable as an asset. He checks every box for seemingly every team in the league, driving up the trade value to the point where it's an unrealistic option.
Davis falls at the other end of the spectrum as a piece Washington could be open to moving for relatively cheaply, but Portland should seriously think twice about it. Davis' contract, age, and injury history are a lot of unnecessary risk for the Blazers to take on, especially since he doesn't solve their limitations on the offensive end.
Kevin Durant is the ideal trade target for Portland
This is why we keep coming back to Durant as the realistic yet ideal star trade target for Portland to pursue.
He remains one of the best scorers, shot-creators, and floor spacers in the league, immediately addressing Portland's biggest offseason need. On the court, he's a low-maintenance player who can fit into any team's system as a "bucket getter", making it a seamless fit as a co-star alongside Deni Avdija (and potentially Damian Lillard, depending on what level he returns to).
The Blazers' front office seems conflicted: they want to add star power to give Lillard a chance at his first ring and maximize his closing window, especially with Jrue Holiday still in the picture. But they also know it's a long shot to become contenders with the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs in the way, and they can't afford to make a reckless move to sacrifice their future.
Durant bridges the gap perfectly as someone who adds star power, fills their offensive weaknesses, and can be had for a reasonable price. They get to have their cake and eat it too, trying to win with Lillard while continuing to prioritize their young core. The same can't be said for any of the previously mentioned players, making Durant the one star Portland should be targeting this summer.
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