This according to Bobby Marks. He doesn't foresee us doing anything impactful this trade deadline. Sigh...
Portland Trail Blazers
Trade meter: 5
What to watch:
Jerami Grant and the luxury tax
Jan. 7 signaled the first date that Grant was eligible to sign a four-year, $112.6 million extension.
Although no deal was immediately reached, Grant expressed his comfort level to remain with the Trail Blazers long term.
"I definitely like it here; love it here," Grant told Jason Quick of The Athletic. "The guys have been very welcoming, it's definitely a family environment, everybody is super cool, got good guys on the team, great organization -- [general manager] Joe [Cronin], [coach] Chauncey [Billups], everything. I'm definitely enjoying it here."
Grant has leverage not only because he is having an All-Star season but because the Trail Blazers do not have financial flexibility next season to replace him if he tests the market.
A new contract, either with an extension or via free agency this summer, likely pushes Portland into the luxury tax in 2023-24.
Speaking of the tax, does the front office have the green light to go into the tax if there is a trade that improves a bench that ranks last in points per game?
Portland is $67,482 below the threshold and would forfeit $17 million in tax distribution by going over.
Front-office trade history: Since taking over in January 2022, general manager Joe Cronin has been part of five trades, including three last February at the deadline.
Last regular-season trade: Traded for
Joe Ingles, Elijah Hughes and a 2022 second-round pick (
Jabari Walker) in a three-team, five-player deal. The trade helped lower Utah's tax payment by $10.9 million. A day earlier, the Trail Blazers traded CJ McCollum to New Orleans.
Trade we would like to see: Two trades. Keon Johnson to Houston for Garrison Mathews. Josh Hart to Indiana for TJ McConnell and Chris Duarte.
Trade exceptions: $6.5 million and $3.3 million
Cash available: $6.4 million (to send and receive)
Salary info and restrictions:
- The Trail Blazers have an open roster spot but are $67,482 below the luxury tax line and $6.78 million below the hard cap.
Draft assets:
- The Trail Blazers owe Chicago a first-round pick that has top-14 protection the next six years.
- The earliest they can trade a first is two years after the pick is conveyed to the Bulls.
- Portland has four second-round picks available to use in a trade.