The Portland Trail Blazers could make a summer splash, but identifying which specific star they could acquire is where things get more complex. They are at a crossroads in their rebuild, straddling two distinct timelines that have only gotten more amplified with Damian Lillard now in the picture.
The return of their franchise icon, the arrival of aggresive new owner Tom Dundon, and the recent playoff appearance should all factor into Portland's decision-making. Here are a few stars they could pursue this offseason, ranked from realistic (No. 6) to pipe dream (No. 1).
6. Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis should be the most easily attainable star in terms of assets surrendered. After securing the No. 1 overall pick, the Washington Wizards could have even more reason to prioritize building around their young core and to take a patient, long-term approach. Davis, 33, clearly doesn't fit that timeline, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to justify keeping him around given his injury history and contract.
However, those are also reasons why AD isn't a great fit in Portland, either. The assets surrendered may be minimal, but they pay for it in the form of $120 million owed over the next two years. Ideally, Portland would get a star who is more reliable and actually addresses their offensive flaws of shooting and playmaking.
5. Kevin Durant
If Portland goes the cheap aging star route, Kevin Durant is a far better fit for what this team needs than Davis. Not to mention, he's $15 million cheaper next year.
The Houston Rockets' underwhelming first-round exit and drama surrounding Durant could make him more available than initially expected. He could be the ideal star to blend the two timelines for Portland, giving Lillard the shot at a ring without having to sacrifice significant future assets.
At 37, Durant isn't the player he once was. But fortunately, his game has aged gracefully as shooting is typically the last thing to go. With Deni Avdija initiating the offense and Lillard and Durant spacing the floor, the Blazers would be a much more balanced team next season.
4. Jaylen Brown
The Boston Celtics seem to be out of the running for Giannis Antetokounmpo, taking away the possibility of Portland facilitating a multi-team trade to come away with Jaylen Brown. However, there's still a route in which the Blazers are able to acquire Brown directly from the Celtics, cutting out the Bucks entirely.
As one of the best two-way wings in the league, still in his prime, landing Brown would cost Portland a premium. But they'd also be getting reasonable value, considering how well he fits as a co-star alongside Avdija.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
The fact that Portland has registered interest in Antetokounmpo gives them a nonzero chance to win the sweepstakes headlining the offseason. Still, they won't be considered anything more than a dark horse unless they get assurance that Giannis will commit long-term to staying in Portland alongside his former Bucks teammates; that's unlikely, given his rumored preference to stay in the Eastern Conference.
They'd have to mortgage a significant chunk of their future to have the best package, which would be an unnecessary risk with a one-year rental being a very real possibility at that point.
2. Kawhi Leonard
Many around the league believe Kawhi Leonard has similar trade value as Giannis this summer. After what was quietly one of the best seasons of his Hall of Fame career, it's easy to see why that's the case.
Leonard is everything Portland should be looking for in a two-way star. He's someone who fits their defensive identity perfectly, thanks to his length and switchability. He's also the silent assassin on the offensive end, giving them another go-to option and much-needed floor spacing.
That said, it remains to be seen if the Los Angeles Clippers will ultimately part ways with their star this summer. They should at least be open to listening to offers, considering they already embraced a retool at the trade deadline, missed the postseason entirely, and suddenly have the No. 5 overall pick thanks to the Indiana Pacers.
1. Trey Murphy III
Leonard's seamless two-way fit also applies to Murphy, only he makes more sense for Portland's timeline given his age (25) and contract (roughly $30 million annually over the next three years). Murphy should be considered the ideal star trade target for Portland, but the issue here is that he checks every box for almost every other team in the league as well.
At the deadline, the New Orleans Pelicans maintained a steep asking price for Murphy, seemingly intended to deter teams. If Portland wants to pry him away, it could require an overpay at this point.
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