Grade the Trade: Portland jumps into top 5 of draft, gets off egregious contract

Grading the Trail Blazers’ mock proposal

In this scenario, the Blazers can dump over $40 million in salary for next season between Jerami Grant ($29.8 million) and Matisse Thybulle ($11 million). Portland will owe roughly $167 million next season, well over the projected $141 million salary cap. Other salaries to consider are the rookie scales for incoming draft picks; in this particular scenario, the Blazers would have a cap hit of $6.9 million for pick No. 5 and $5.7 million for pick No. 7.

This single trade would get the Blazers out of the luxury tax and extremely close to the salary cap, which certainly would be a huge factor when considering accepting it. While a team like the Pistons may be excited to (yet again) add Grant’s length, versatility, and shooting, the Blazers should view him as a negative asset, especially given their financial situation.

Although this is perceived as a weak class, there’s still a significant difference between picking No. 5 and No. 14, regardless of the year. At pick No. 5, Portland could target one of Donovan Clingan, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, or Matas Buzelis. There’s even a realistic possibility of getting two out of the three if one of those prospects falls to No. 7.

Getting off of Grant’s contract without taking any salary back in return should be considered a win. Portland getting two picks inside the top seven is just icing on the cake. The only thing preventing this trade from having a better grade is the addition of elite defensive wing Matisse Thybulle. Although the Blazers should be open to moving Thybulle, he is a valuable asset around the league and could potentially net another first-round pick in a separate deal.

Overall, this would be an excellent trade for Rip City. It would solve their pressing financial issues while giving them a more straightforward rebuilding direction and a coveted draft pick. 

Trail Blazers trade grade: A-