Forward trade targets

[PtldPlatypus]

It seems clear that moving forward this summer with Powell as our 2 while trading CJ for a comparably-talented starting forward is the way to go. (Full disclosure, this was also what Chad Doing was harping on incessantly during last night's post game show as well) But while it's easy to say in theory, the real dilemma is, what forward(s) out there would be:

1. An upgrade over what we presently have
2. Similar enough in value to CJ to warrant a deal
3. Presently on a team that would value CJ as an addition (replacement)
4. On a contract that would make the trade possible

I'm just curious who out there might fit all those criteria, or is this all a futile notion?

 

[SheedSoNasty]

I’d love to see Brandon Ingram.

 

[Scalma]

If Olshey is still the GM it’s more likely they use Powell in a sign and trade, especially since the majority of the league will be over the cap. He’s not gonna trade CJ as long as he’s in charge. I feel confident in that.

So who can use Powell that has a forward to trade us

 

[Chris Craig]

There aren't many players who fit all those criteria

Brandon Ingram (Fits all Criteria)

Jaylen Brown (Fits Some, Boston likely won't Trade him for CJ)

Gordon Hayward (Fits most of the Criteria)

Jerami Grant (Fits Criteria, Detroit probably won't trade him for CJ)

Jimmy Butler (Miami Won't Trade him for CJ)

Khris Middleton (Fits alot of the criteria, but Blazers would have to include more to get him. Not sure it's worth it)

Ben Simmons (A very tall guard can play forward, terrible shooter though, etc)

Pascal Siakam (Wet Dream, Would have to include more to get him...but won't cause that would be like the Blazers trading Dame. TOR won't do it)

Bradley Beal (Not a Forward but a trade I could see happening. Causes same sizes issues)


Michael Porter Jr (Would have to be a sign and trade. Fits a lot of criteria.)

Draymond Green(Not the player he used to be. But, would still work well on the Blazers)

Karl Anthony Towns (Blazers would have to trade more probably CJ, Nurkic, etc)

Harrison Barnes (eh)

Bogdan Bogdanovic (Doesn't offer the same value as CJ)

 

[ehizzy3]

There aren't many players who fit all those criteria

Brandon Ingram (Fits all Criteria)

Jaylen Brown (Fits Some, Boston likely won't Trade him for CJ)

Gordon Hayward (Fits most of the Criteria)

Jerami Grant (Fits Criteria, Detroit probably won't trade him for CJ)

Jimmy Butler (Miami Won't Trade him for CJ)

Khris Middleton (Fits alot of the criteria, but Blazers would have to include more to get him. Not sure it's worth it)

Ben Simmons (A very tall guard can play forward, terrible shooter though, etc)

Pascal Siakam (Wet Dream, Would have to include more to get him...but won't cause that would be like the Blazers trading Dame. TOR won't do it)

Bradley Beal (Not a Forward but a trade I could see happening. Causes same sizes issues)


Michael Porter Jr (Would have to be a sign and trade. Fits a lot of criteria.)

Draymond Green(Not the player he used to be. But, would still work well on the Blazers)

Karl Anthony Towns (Blazers would have to trade more probably CJ, Nurkic, etc)

Harrison Barnes (eh)

Bogdan Bogdanovic (Doesn't offer the same value as CJ)

I disagree about Pascal being to the raptors to what Dame is to us. In fact, he’s been frustrated this year because he think he’s getting unfairly blamed for their struggles

If Philly flames out in the playoffs, I would try and get Ben Simmons

 

[James lamphear]

How many trade in this league that when a all star or closed to it your getting fair trade value for that player. But right most of those player in that category are demanding a trade. I really don't Olshey going consider CJ in a trade this off season. But after watching CJ in his assist he could get a lot assist with his handles and be able to get to spot and plus in control when does it and instead looking to score all the time boy if he look to pass in those opportunity to players that's open he would become really potent as a player.

 

[illmatic99]

I swear I made a thread here five years ago with the same kind of post but without trading CJ. On it were Rodney Hood and Robert Covington as primary targets.

I really like Kevin Heurter fwiw. Won't need to trade CJ for him. DeAndre Hunter on the other hand, I might throw the kitchen sink at.

 

[wizenheimer]

 

[Scalma]

I disagree about Pascal being to the raptors to what Dame is to us. In fact, he’s been frustrated this year because he think he’s getting unfairly blamed for their struggles

If Philly flames out in the playoffs, I would try and get Ben Simmons

A package centered around simmons and McCollum could be something both teams would be intrigued by. Obviously we’d have to give more, but it’s a good starting point.

 

[Titan]

In the past most all-stars get traded for less, so I think most listed on here are possible. Just have to see how some of these teams perform in the playoffs.

 

[hoopsjock]

It seems clear that moving forward this summer with Powell as our 2 while trading CJ for a comparably-talented starting forward is the way to go. (Full disclosure, this was also what Chad Doing was harping on incessantly during last night's post game show as well) But while it's easy to say in theory, the real dilemma is, what forward(s) out there would be:

1. An upgrade over what we presently have
2. Similar enough in value to CJ to warrant a deal
3. Presently on a team that would value CJ as an addition (replacement)
4. On a contract that would make the trade possible

I'm just curious who out there might fit all those criteria, or is this all a futile notion?

First off, great question! I like the way it's thought out versus the usual "trade CJ for an elite forward" statements.

I still don't see the Bucks doing this but I think the best bet would be for them to lose in the 2nd round again and think that they need someone who can get buckets and have enough defense to sacrifice Khris Middleton for CJ. Dame, Norm, Middleton, RoCo, Nurk is really good.

I don't really see Toronto wanting CJ so it would probably have to be a 3 team trade say with New York if they strike out in free agency where the Raptors get a couple young players and picks and the Knicks get CJ and the Blazers get Siakam.

I don't see many other options and even these two seem far-fetched.

 

[RR7]

It seems clear that moving forward this summer with Powell as our 2 while trading CJ for a comparably-talented starting forward is the way to go. (Full disclosure, this was also what Chad Doing was harping on incessantly during last night's post game show as well) But while it's easy to say in theory, the real dilemma is, what forward(s) out there would be:

1. An upgrade over what we presently have
2. Similar enough in value to CJ to warrant a deal
3. Presently on a team that would value CJ as an addition (replacement)
4. On a contract that would make the trade possible

I'm just curious who out there might fit all those criteria, or is this all a futile notion?

Given #3, I'm assuming any deal with CJ going out would likely have to be a 3 team deal. It seems unlikely that there'd be an even swap where the other team happens to have a glut of forwards over guards.

I don't know if we're finding similar value in CJ, or if it would have to be a $1 for 4 quarters, or two 50 cent pieces type of trade.

Kind of going team by team

Philly: Can see interest as another ball handler alongside Simmons and Embiid. Maybe one of two teams where a direct swap is possible. Would need them to flame out in the playoffs. CJ+ for Simmons would be awesome. Tobias has been discussed a bunch here, but don't see it pushing us forward much, more shuffling pieces around.

Brooklyn: No need

Milwaukee: Again, with a playoff flameout, maybe a CJ for Middleton swap.

Atlanta: Don't see it.

Boston: No

Knicks: I think they could use CJ, and could see them targeting him. They have cap space, they have youngish players. They're a team I could see attempting it, but with a 3rd team. They're not going to swap Randle for CJ, they would want to pair the 2. So they send young pieces to team X. X sends us Y, we send CJ. Gets us back to, who is Team Y?

Miami: Can see them having interest as well, pairing with Butler. Don't have pieces we would want or need.

Charlotte: Unlikely. Graham and Rozier duplicate some of what he offers.

Indiana: I think he'd be a great pairing there with Brogdon and Lavert. Would give them the scoring punch I think they were hoping to get with Oladipo.

Toronto: no, though I'd love Siakam as our #2, a swap there seems unlikely.

Chicago: Don't know if a Lavine/CJ pairing is going to work.

Washington: Westbrook/Beal. No.

Cleveland: No

Orlando: Not anymore

Detroit: Maybe they'd look to accelerate their rebuild, but like NY, they'd want to pair CJ with Grant, not swap the 2.

Utah: Backcourt set

Phoenix: Same

Clippers: Guess we'd have to ask Kawhi how he feels about a CJ-George swap.

Denver: Seems unlikely

Lakers: Nothing we want, and lack the assets to make it a 3 team, IMO.

Dallas: Do we want to try KP at PF?

Memphis: Another team I could see pushing forward their timeline with a good vet. I just don't see a deal that makes sense with us. Again, maybe there's a 3rd team?

GS: Don't see it

SA: Odd fit to their timeline, but I also don't know what their timeline is.

N.O.: Can see the fit. Ingram-CJ swap feels off for them, but also, Ingram not known for his defense. So we swap one poor defender for another? I suppose with bench additions, it ultimately makes our lineup better, if we swap Powell for CJ, and then Ingram for DJJ.

Sacramento: Backcourt likely set with Fox and Halliburton

OKC: SGA and Dort are there. Doesn't seem like Presti is going to try to push their timeline up with a CJ type addition.

Minnesota: Who knows what that disaster of a franchise will do. But, with Russell and Edwards in the backcourt, and the possibility of adding Cunningham or Suggs in the draft, as well as having 12 guards on the roster, doubtful.

Houston: Don't see it.

 

[Minstrel]

Brandon Ingram (Fits all Criteria)
Jaylen Brown (Fits Some, Boston likely won't Trade him for CJ)
Jerami Grant (Fits Criteria, Detroit probably won't trade him for CJ)
Jimmy Butler (Miami Won't Trade him for CJ)
Khris Middleton (Fits alot of the criteria, but Blazers would have to include more to get him. Not sure it's worth it)
Ben Simmons (A very tall guard can play forward, terrible shooter though, etc)
Pascal Siakam (Wet Dream, Would have to include more to get him...but won't cause that would be like the Blazers trading Dame. TOR won't do it)
Bradley Beal (Not a Forward but a trade I could see happening. Causes same sizes issues)
Michael Porter Jr (Would have to be a sign and trade. Fits a lot of criteria.)
Draymond Green(Not the player he used to be. But, would still work well on the Blazers)
Karl Anthony Towns (Blazers would have to trade more probably CJ, Nurkic, etc)

This is the big problem--the above players (as you mostly noted) wouldn't be available for CJ, in my opinion.

Probably the closest match, in terms of value to both teams, is Gordon Hayward. He's not a defensive whiz, but he's generally solid on that end. Offensively, he'd probably give Portland something like what Batum did as a Blazer. Hayward, I believe, has also been criticized for not being aggressive enough offensively.

I just don't know that McCollum is what Charlotte needs, even if the talent is close to even.

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

First off, great question! I like the way it's thought out versus the usual "trade CJ for an elite forward" statements.

I still don't see the Bucks doing this but I think the best bet would be for them to lose in the 2nd round again and think that they need someone who can get buckets and have enough defense to sacrifice Khris Middleton for CJ. Dame, Norm, Middleton, RoCo, Nurk is really good.

I don't really see Toronto wanting CJ so it would probably have to be a 3 team trade say with New York if they strike out in free agency where the Raptors get a couple young players and picks and the Knicks get CJ and the Blazers get Siakam.

I don't see many other options and even these two seem far-fetched.

I agree about Toronto not wanting CJ. I think Siakam would be available if they decide to rebuild; they were trying to trade Lowry. Siakam's efg% has dropped a 100 points in two years and of course there are the squabbles with his coach, so maybe they wouldn't be too greedy. New York seems like a good option for a third team. Also New Orleans, who has Ball, Hayes, maybe Alexander-Walker and a boatload of draft picks.

 

[boredinsalem]

After this season so far, screw it. Just trade for Tobias Harris if Morey has an appetite for it. Sick of CJ's effect on the offense. If we could retain Powell I think the team would actually be a contender. Perhaps the best starting lineup in the league (knock on wood for health).

Lillard/Powell/Covington/Harris/Nurkic

 

[James lamphear]

Number 1 you have to see if you can sign powell if you do then you can you kick the tires on the CJ trade. But powell goes and sign with someone else than more likely CJ would stay. If we and trade partner with orleans then the 2 I would go after is Ball and Hart. I like Hart in draft that year but we draft someone that's not even the league any more.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

... and here's where I bring in the blasphemy.

What if CJ weren't the piece that was traded, but instead we were able to bring in one of those forwards listed above that CJ alone wouldn't be enough to get?

Would we be better off (for example) with Dame/Powell/Ingram or CJ/Powell/Butler?

 

[tester551]

1. Presently on a team that would value CJ as an addition (replacement)
2. On a contract that would make the trade possible

I'm just curious who out there might fit all those criteria, or is this all a futile notion?

I went through all the teams a couple days ago to see if any team really made sense adding CJ with something reasonable to give up.

I think the only 2 teams to target would be NYK & Philly.

I think this is a futile situation

 

[Natebishop3]

... and here's where I bring in the blasphemy.

What if CJ weren't the piece that was traded, but instead we were able to bring in one of those forwards listed above that CJ alone wouldn't be enough to get?

Would we be better off (for example) with Dame/Powell/Ingram or CJ/Powell/Butler?

The problem is that CJ isn’t really any kind of point guard. Dame is a point guard. With that said, teams can’t shut down CJ the same way they can shut down Dame.

But would this lineup win a ring?

CJ
Powell
Simmons
RoCo
Nurk

*With a real coach of course

 

[illmatic99]

I was watching the Knicks Mavs game last night and was baffled at how good Randle and Barrett have gotten. Think Id take either for CJ.

Was hilarious seeing Thibs play RJ 46 mins in a non-OT game tho

 

[Natebishop3]

I was watching the Knicks Mavs game last night and was baffled at how good Randle and Barrett have gotten. Think Id take either for CJ.

Was hilarious seeing Thibs play RJ 46 mins in a non-OT game tho

Thibs don’t give a fuuuuuuuuck.

 

[Hoopguru]

I would think Hornets may swap Hayward for CJ.

 

[lawai'a]

clev. out: larry nance,jr
clev. in: knicks pick @ around #21, TPE aprox $10 mil.

Knicks out: picks #15, pick #21, pick #33, cap space
Knicks in: CJ

Blazers out: CJ
Blazers in: Larry Nance,jr., #15, #33, TPE $20 Mil.
besides the picks, tpe, would allow cap flexability to re-sign powell and collins and still have non-tax MLE?

 

[Tince]

I like the thread.

Find it interesting that people claim CJ is an all-star/all-star talent, but then any trade where we'd get an all-star forward in return isn't reasonable and even some trades that don't involve us getting a non all-star forward is unlikely.

 

[Tince]

The problem is that CJ isn’t really any kind of point guard. Dame is a point guard. With that said, teams can’t shut down CJ the same way they can shut down Dame.

But would this lineup win a ring?

CJ
Powell
Simmons
RoCo
Nurk

*With a real coach of course

That team would the draft lottery before it would win a ring.

 

[blazerkor]

If I knew that all three of Stotts getting fired, DJ opting in and retaining Powell were going to happen then I would trade CJ and Nurk to the Pacers for Turner and Brogdan. I would have a three guard rotation where Brogdan and Powell would be penciled in to get 30 minutes and Dame would be penciled in to get 36. With scraps going to whoever else. That's how I would play it. I would hopefully get a guy like JaMychal Green with the MLE and have a forward rotation of DJ, RoCo, Little and Green. We have early bird rights on Enes... so I'd re-sign him too. Hopefully we'd get an extension done with RoCo during the off season as well. I would give Zach his qualifying offer if he was healthy enough to play ball by the deadline to make the offer, otherwise I'd let him walk.

Dame, Powell, DJ, RoCo, Turner, Brogdan, Little, Green, Enes and possibly Zach is a legit contending rotation. Fill the rest of the team up with Ant and a bunch of other guys that can play in blowouts and in case of injury.

So I guess I wouldn't target a forward in the trade market.

I do like the idea that if the Pacers weren't down for this and we are able to retain Powell, that we trade CJ for Harris... that's not bad.

 

[Hoopguru]

... and here's where I bring in the blasphemy.

What if CJ weren't the piece that was traded, but instead we were able to bring in one of those forwards listed above that CJ alone wouldn't be enough to get?

Would we be better off (for example) with Dame/Powell/Ingram or CJ/Powell/Butler?

Powell/Butler changes the whole team defensively regardless of coach. Thats who they are, back court two way players, which is what we lack.

 

[wizenheimer]

... and here's where I bring in the blasphemy.

What if CJ weren't the piece that was traded, but instead we were able to bring in one of those forwards listed above that CJ alone wouldn't be enough to get?

Would we be better off (for example) with Dame/Powell/Ingram or CJ/Powell/Butler?

Blazers would be better off with Dame and Ingram. Two all-star level talents instead of the one they have now, and a real PG

I'm also pretty sure Dame will be a difficult player to trade with his supermax deal. Portland saw the value in that contract, but I don't think other teams would view Dame the same...at least not to the point of making an equitable trade where the Blazers don't have to eat plenty of bad salary

personally, I'd quit caring about the Blazers if Olshey traded Dame and kept CJ. Hell, maybe that has been Olshey's plan all along...strap Portland on a treadmill with Dame as the face of the team until people get so tired of rinse/repeat they will give a pass to Olshey for trading Dame instead of CJ

With that said, teams can’t shut down CJ the same way they can shut down Dame.

how do we know that?

teams have never tried to "shut down" CJ in any manner resembling the consistent, game-long intensity and focus they have applied to Dame. And why should they? when they've warped their defense to Dame and left CJ single-covered, he hasn't made teams pay. That has happened at least 3 times in the last 2 weeks and Portland lost all of those games, pretty much guaranteeing we'll see it in the playoffs, assuming Portland gets there (which I think they will)

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

clev. out: larry nance,jr
clev. in: knicks pick @ around #21, TPE aprox $10 mil.

Knicks out: picks #15, pick #21, pick #33, cap space
Knicks in: CJ

Blazers out: CJ
Blazers in: Larry Nance,jr., #15, #33, TPE $20 Mil.
besides the picks, tpe, would allow cap flexability to re-sign powell and collins and still have non-tax MLE?

I like Nance Jr. but I think we could get more for CJ. And do we really need picks right now; we need to win now.

 

[wizenheimer]

I like the thread.

Find it interesting that people claim CJ is an all-star/all-star talent, but then any trade where we'd get an all-star forward in return isn't reasonable and even some trades that don't involve us getting a non all-star forward is unlikely.

I noticed that too

"CJ is playing like an all-star" gave way to "not a chance the Pels trade Ingram for CJ or the Knicks trade Randall for CJ"

for the longest time, several posters here kept insisting the CJ we saw for the first dozen games of the season was the new, improved CJ we'd see for the rest of his all-star career in Portland. That what he did was sustainable, and not just a perfect storm of hot-shooting and everything breaking his way. That if he regressed, it would only be by a little bit. He has regressed back toward his norms, and by quite a bit

I do think CJ has improved this season...or at least tilted his approach toward his strengths. His 3ptFGA rate is 50% when his career number is 35%. He has played a lot less MeJ this season and has looked like a more willing passer (although MeJ has been appearing more and more lately). His assisted FG rate is much higher. And he's doing a better job of staying in front of his man on defense, although he's still a minus defender. He still doesn't land in all-star territory, but he can be a valuable, albeit expensive, addition to some teams. I just don't think there's any chance Olshey shops him though, unless he has orders from Seattle