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
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.
Reach trade: Rip City gives up Simons to get another guard
It makes sense for the Oklahoma City Thunder to move some of their seemingly endless draft capital to acquire another weapon to surround their young core, which finished first in the loaded Western Conference. The Blazers should also consider trade packages for Anfernee Simons, who Buckley recently named a top-ten trade asset this offseason.
But for Portland, Giddey and the No. 12 pick in a weak draft class isn't intriguing enough to give up for arguably the team's best player. Giddey sometimes played off the court in the playoffs for the Thunder, and his trade value is lower than it was when coming into the league.
While adding more playmakers is always encouraged, Giddey has shot 31 percent from deep in his three NBA seasons. His inability to be a threat from beyond the arc would be a troublesome fit for Portland, which is already at the bottom of the league in that department.
The Thunder could be a good trade partner with the Blazers, as the two rosters are headed in opposite directions. A deal involving Simons to Oklahoma City could potentially get done, but Portland would have to get back assets that better fit their roster in exchange.
Realistic trade: Portland ships out Brogdon for a first-round pick
The Blazers moving Malcolm Brogdon for a mid-first-round pick could be the type of trade they make this summer. It’s not overly exciting, but it makes sense for both parties, which typically is how realistic deals go through.
The Magic are in desperate need of a point guard to take the pressure off of Paolo Banchero. Brogdon would be an excellent fit for them as someone who can initiate the offense and space the floor for Banchero and Franz Wagner to operate. It’s a reasonable price tag, too, meaning they could get their reliable starting point guard without sacrificing much of their future.
The Blazers ideally could get another young piece besides Jett Howard to accompany the first-round pick. It's evident that Rip City needs more shooting, and Howard fits their need. But he also could be someone who doesn't carve out a significant role. Sure, Howard was the No. 11 overall pick last year, but he was also a reach and has yet to show that he can significantly contribute at the NBA level. In other words, Portland shouldn't consider this trade as receiving two first-round picks.
For better or worse, General Manager Joe Cronin seems to love keeping veterans around the Blazers' young core. Joe Ingles, 36, could help in that aspect if they did decide to keep him around. But the main asset in the deal for Portland is the No. 18 pick.
Although it's not a strong draft class, the Blazers would have three first-round picks, making them more comfortable taking flyers on prospects with high upside and a low floor. Whether Scoot Henderson or Shaedon Sharpe will become bonafide stars in the league is still being determined. The more high-upside swings they can take in the draft, the better.