When I googled Blazer trade rumors today the search brought up Ant , Reath and a pick to the Wolves for Julius Randle and a first round pick as well as a second round pick down the road.Not a huge Randle fan but to get Ant of the books, I'd think about it.
I don't see us being a contender with Sabonis, but what do I know. But keeping Clingan and adding him seems like a bad move. Clingan came off of an up and down but otherwise solid rookie year, and averaged almost 20 minutes a night. Sabonis averages 34+ a night. Sabonis averages 45m+ over the next 3 seasons. You don't give up assets for him to ride the bench. And he can't play alongside Clingan at all. So either you take Clingan and shift him from his 20 minutes a night down to ~15, which seems like a move you only make if you can contend, or you increase his minutes, and cut Sabonis', while paying him star money. Just don't get the thought there.
Y'know I'm here for topics of conversation. When have I not remained consistent? I try not to be the topic of conversation if possible. If you have a summer big trade topic I probably won't be the guy poking holes in it.
If I saw that rumor like you did ( Julius Randle one ) I would have to buy a new keyboard cause i would have hurled all over it -- cannot think of much worse deal then that cause if it was that deal or keep Ant -- Ant is still a Blazer. - period
Was it really a rumor though??? I would imagine it was a Bleacher Report or SI story where they just pitch out their trade ideas. The funny thing about those ideas or "rumors" in those articles is they tend to be less realistic than the trade ideas we have because often they're done by people covering the NBA nationally who don't pay attention to what's going on with our team as closely as most of us do.
Cone to think of it. None of Cronin's moves have been predictable, mostly surprises. This summer will be another pleasant surprise.
It's terrible but not horrible. I believe both Ant and Randle are expiring. If that's the case, and we think Ant will leave for nothing, then getting a 1st isn't nothing. Of course, Randle has no value, and he would bitch for a year about coming off the bench.
Here's what it told me: Recent trade rumors surrounding the Portland Trail Blazers primarily focus on potential moves involving Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons, and Robert Williams III. These players have been linked to trades due to their contracts and the Blazers' focus on building a younger, more promising core, particularly around Scoot Henderson and other young prospects. The team is also looking to potentially acquire assets, including draft picks, in these trades. Specific Rumors and Potential Trade Scenarios: Jerami Grant: Multiple sources suggest the Blazers are actively seeking to trade Grant, who is not seen as a long-term fit with the team's younger core. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Cleveland Cavaliers have been mentioned as potential trade partners for Grant, with the Blazers hoping to extract valuable assets, including first-round picks. Anfernee Simons: There are reports that Simons could be a trade target for the Blazers, potentially to free up cap space or acquire draft capital. Some believe his contract is an asset that other teams would be interested in acquiring. Robert Williams III: The Blazers have been rumored to be "very open" to trading Williams, potentially to acquire more draft picks or better fit the team's needs. His contract, while not the most lucrative, is still a factor in any potential trade discussions. Trade Idea: Jerami Grant to Mavs: One trade idea floated involves sending Grant to the Dallas Mavericks, potentially with the Mavericks offering a package of assets to acquire Grant. Trade Idea: Robert Williams to Thunder: Another trade idea explores sending Robert Williams to the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the Thunder potentially offering picks or other assets in exchange for Williams. Potential for Blazers to Trade Ayton and Grant: It's been suggested that the Blazers are more likely to trade Ayton and Grant this summer than they would have been last summer, given their remaining contracts and the team's development of younger players.
I think I'd be most unlikely to trade Camara and Deni. They have the two way skills to help any type of contending group. Also the most positional flexibility. Id want to trade Ayton, Grant, Ant in that order but not sure they have much value. Yeah I'd give up Sharpe, Scoot, Clingan, unprotected picks if the right star were available but I find that scenario to be extremely unlikely. Yeah the position of incoming star would factor what young player I aim to keep. I usually prefer BPA over fit but once you try to construct a contender fit becomes much more important. But I find it unlikely we can be at this stage of building the team. We're most likely going to need to wait 1-3 years until we're hopefully there.
With both Cronin and Billups staying, we know what the blueprint for any incoming trade will be - get long, lanky defenders who can shoot, so that we have a ton of interchangeable parts for the long NBA season. So, guys like Collins(whose productions was better than Markannen's at half the price), Jovic, Aldama, Cam Johnson, Obi Toppin and yes Barnes(he can be a great bench vet and shooting careers best 43% from 3 this season). Also, Tristan Vukcevic looks good if we are looking for a backup C if we are committed to Clingan starting. And I really want Topic. I think that kid has great potential as a PG, and would not mind him backing up Scoot. So if Thunder wants something like this year's pick(if it ends up being 9) and RW3 for Topic and filler, I would do it in a heartbeat. The good thing about all these guys is that they are on reasonable contracts and if the star is not immediately available I would get rid of Grant, Ayton and Ant, for any combination of the players above and keep the flexible roster until a trade opens up for a bigger name. As it is, a team of tall, pesky defenders who can all shoot and play as a team is something I can get behind.
