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1 Dream, 1 reach, 1 realistic trade proposal Trail Blazers were involved in

The Portland Trail Blazers were recently involved in three mock trades. Some proposals were more intriguing than others.

By Reese Kunz

Mar 9, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Anfernee Simons (1) warms up prior to a game against the Toronto Raptors at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Anfernee Simons (1) warms up prior to a game against the Toronto Raptors at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports / Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
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Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley recently released an article proposing one new trade idea for every NBA team. With the NBA Finals approaching, the official offseason is right around the corner. Teams' offseason needs are different on a case-by-case basis; some can add veteran pieces to make a deeper playoff run next season, while others should emphasize their rebuild.

Either way, it's crucial to a franchise's success to stay out of "no man's land." From a roster construction standpoint, the worst spot is the consistent play-in tournament-type team that never makes noise in the playoffs but doesn't have a bad enough record of getting a top draft prospect. In the Blazers' case, they must continue their rebuild in the post-Lillard era.

Dream trade: Blazers get off Grant's contract, receive coveted draft pick

Grant to Rockets

Call Adam Silver; let’s send in the trade! But seriously, this deal doesn’t make much sense from Houston’s standpoint. There have been talks of them being open to trading the No. 3 overall pick for a veteran, but taking on Jerami Grant’s massive contract is probably not what they have in mind. Grant signed a five-year, $160 million deal last summer.

While he’s a great player and could be the piece to get the Rockets to the playoffs, it would likely result in a first-round exit. Houston already shouldn’t have accelerated their rebuild with the Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet signings, and this trade would be yet another step in the wrong direction.

For the Blazers, not only do they get off Grant’s contract, but they get the No. 3 overall pick without having to give up pick No. 7. That would give them a chance to pair center Donovan Clingan at No. 3 with a wing at No. 7. Additionally, Tari Eason is a promising, defensive-minded wing that is only 23 years old. His value is higher than what appears to be a “throw-in” piece in this deal.

This proposal is a no-brainer for the Blazers, so much so that it seems unrealistic for the Rockets to pull the trigger.

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