The Trail Blazers' newest owner, Tom Dundon, recently revealed that Portland considered a deal at the trade deadline that would've made a "big splash," according to beat reporter Casey Holdahl. Dundon added that, should the opportunity present itself again, he would be more aggressive.
The Blazers were expected to be buyers at the deadline. They wound up making only a move on the margins, acquiring Vit Krejci from the Atlanta Hawks. But with Dundon's arrival aligning with Portland's playoff push, there's an increased chance we see fireworks this offseason.
Blazers could make a summer blockbuster under Tom Dundon
It's a fine line for Portland. We've seen incoming owners' ambition backfire on them; one example is the Phoenix Suns, still recovering from their all-in trade for Kevin Durant, when Mat Ishbia took over as owner. However, Dundon deserves the benefit of the doubt, considering the successful turnaround he's had with the NHL Carolina Hurricanes.
Portland is also in a spot in their rebuild where making an aggressive move makes sense. Expectations will be raised next season, with another year of youth development paired with Damian Lillard's return from a torn Achilles. They also have the right mix of youth and veterans to make a blockbuster without sacrificing their entire future. Not to mention, the massive contracts of Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday would make it easy in terms of matching salaries for a star.
Which star could the Blazers trade for?
It remains to be seen who the Blazers' trade target ultimately was. We pushed for Jaren Jackson Jr. or Trey Murphy III as two-way stars that would've bolstered Portland's defensive identity while providing a co-star for Deni Avdija to take some of the offensive burden. That's the exact type of piece they should be pursuing this summer, especially if their age aligns well with their building blocks.
A pipe dream scenario they could revisit this summer is Giannis Antetokounmpo, with trade talks inevitably set to pick back up after Milwaukee's disappointing season. The former teammate connections with Lillard and Holiday, as well as the draft capital from the Lillard deal, quietly make Portland a dark horse should Giannis become available. However, he's also made it clear that he has no desire to come to Portland, meaning they'd risk sacrificing assets for what could potentially be a short-term rental.
Could Kawhi Leonard be an option? The Los Angeles Clippers surprisingly took a seller's stance at the deadline, moving on from James Harden and Ivica Zubac. Portland should be prepared if Leonard is the final domino to fall in their retool.
Nobody knows which star will be next to hit the trade market. The Blazers' front office is also unpredictable, as no one would've expected them to land Lillard, Holiday, and Yang Hansen this past summer. But regardless of the particular player, expect Portland to make a splash this offseason under its new, ambitious owner.