Almost choked out reading this article:

[BoBoBREWSKI]

Don’t we already have a trade thread?

 

[THE HCP]

Yep

 

[STOMP]

Is there a guarantee Billups won't put Middleton in the starting lineup?

following surgery on both ankles last offseason, Khris doesn't move very well and can't keep his man in front of him... basically he sucks on D. His Defensive win share is 0.6, which is the worst he's done since his rookie year.

https://behindthebuckpass.com/bucks-officially-khris-middleton-problem-corrected

Does that sound like the sort of player that Chauncey values? If Portland were to make this move and Billups played him more then spot minutes, it would be because of an order from above and the tank is on.

STOMP

 

[STOMP]

The Grant trade is good. A lightly protected first is the best case scenario. Then you try to flip Middleton in the off-season (easier than Grant since his contract expires sooner).

Yes Middleton would be a more movable piece then Grant because his contract would be expiring, but many other expensive Blazers also have contracts expiring after the 2025-6 season. The calculation they'd have to make is whether they want to trade or resign any of Middleton, Ayton, Thybulle, Ant & RWIII or roll the dice that with capspace the right Free Agent(s) would want to join a core of Scoot, Shaedon, Camara, Deni, Murray, Clingan & their 2025 & 2026 picks. Free Agents with options generally want to A. get paid & B. win... Portland could be in the enviable position of offering both

Once they start resigning their youngins this FA window will shut. I'd have to be offered a pretty solid return for one or more of those expiring deals to choose to pass on that opportunity

STOMP