We got the #3 pick. Discuss the possibilities. (1 Viewer)

[tykendo]

There's no earthly way we're getting bridges without giving up #3 and ant or sharpe. I want to trade ant, but I still don't think #3 and ant is enough, imo.

Not so sure the way some are talking about Scoot. The big roadblock to me is the Hornets. Maybe they swoop in and get Bridges to add to LaMelo . I'm fingers crossed Miller is their guy. But i just see Brooklyn wanting a flashy youngster to get their fanbase excited after the Mercenary Boys debacle.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

are you sure he will be UFA? You're probably right but I seem to recall a provision about when a two-way is converted to a regular contract the the season of conversion doesn't count toward that 4-seasons-in-the-league = UFA standard. He'd be in the category of a 2nd round pick who signed a 3-year deal

probably not the case but we also don't know all the details of the new CBA either

His UFA/RFA would have been set in the extension he signed so the new CBA won't impact that. I'm not certain what it is, I saw it here on spotrac and they are usually pretty accurate although they are not perfect;

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/yearly/cap/

 

[SharpesTriumph]

There's no earthly way we're getting bridges without giving up #3 and ant or sharpe. I want to trade ant, but I still don't think #3 and ant is enough, imo.

Then the Blazers choice is simple; keep #3 take BPA and keep Ant.

Evaluate any Ant/Dame/etc trades after the draft.

The problem with giving up Ant, #3, and other assets for Bridges is there is no realistic way for the Blazers to contend with Dame in the next few years. So you've thrown away the future for another few turns on the wheel of mediocrity we've had for two decades.

Keeping the pick doesn't guarantee the Blazers contend either, in fact odds are likely they won't contend regardless of these choices. But hitting on the #3 pick, regardless if they keep or trade Dame, gives them a chance to maybe contend. Guaranteed mediocrity removes that chance.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

There's no earthly way we're getting bridges without giving up #3 and ant or sharpe. I want to trade ant, but I still don't think #3 and ant is enough, imo.

The compromise might be that we get back Finney-Smith in the deal with Bridges.

Scoot and Simons is a lot of value for Bridges, who has yet to become an all-star.

 

[CJ_is_Gone]

are you sure he will be UFA? You're probably right but I seem to recall a provision about when a two-way is converted to a regular contract the the season of conversion doesn't count toward that 4-seasons-in-the-league = UFA standard. He'd be in the category of a 2nd round pick who signed a 3-year deal

probably not the case but we also don't know all the details of the new CBA either

Watford has a team option next season. If it is declined, he becomes a RFA. If he plays out the '24-'25 season on his current contract, he becomes an UFA.
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/trendon-watford-74232/

 

[Strenuus]

The compromise might be that we get back Finney-Smith in the deal with Bridges.

Scoot and Simons is a lot of value for Bridges, who has yet to become an all-star.

Fair on him not being an all star and that lowering his value but I tend to believe the price is still going to be too high. And like @WesleyMatthews said, I don't think he changes much in terms of upward trajectory towards anything of significance. It's a really weird place we're in. Go for it now or go for it with Sharpe and whoever we get for #3. And I know I've been a stubborn asshole about keeping Dame, but for the first time I can see that other side of the argument. 2 years ago? No. Last year? No. This year, it feels like it's the actual time to at least broach the subject.

Weird AF time.

 

[wizenheimer]

Watford has a team option next season. If it is declined, he becomes a RFA. If he plays out the '24-'25 season on his current contract, he becomes an UFA.
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/trendon-watford-74232/

so then, I Blazers want to keep Watford long term they could work out a future contract, decline the current one, and keep him long-term, likely at a bargain, without him ever truly being a free agent...?

 

[riverman]

I read somewhere that Schmidt is rumored to have said we're not trading the #3 pick.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

so then, I Blazers want to keep Watford long term they could work out a future contract, decline the current one, and keep him long-term, likely at a bargain, without him ever truly being a free agent...?

Yeah its an odd situation. On the other hand, if the Blazers are up against the luxury tax in 2024-25 and trying to win that season it might make more sense to pocket the extra year of him on a cheap contract and just accept the additional risk he leaves in summer 2025.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

Fair on him not being an all star and that lowering his value but I tend to believe the price is still going to be too high. And like @WesleyMatthews said, I don't think he changes much in terms of upward trajectory towards anything of significance. It's a really weird place we're in. Go for it now or go for it with Sharpe and whoever we get for #3. And I know I've been a stubborn asshole about keeping Dame, but for the first time I can see that other side of the argument. 2 years ago? No. Last year? No. This year, it feels like it's the actual time to at least broach the subject.

Weird AF time.

I came to terms with this road when the Clippers trade happened. Thats why I was so furious of the moves at the time, it basically spelled the end of Dame contending in Portland window as I saw it. Pissed the hell out of me so many celebrated the end of the Dame window only because they saw it as an F U to Olshey's roster.

The team has actually recovered much better than I expected since then, as Sharpe and the #3 pick are crazy valuable assets. Those are the two most valuable asset of the franchise IMO. So I'm delighted we got those, and it gives us a real chance to have something in the decade ahead.

But the team just doesn't have the pieces to build a contender now with Dame, even cashing in one or both of those. I'd love for Cronin to prove me wrong, but to do so he's got to complete some crazy trades such as Bridges Claxton for Nurk and #3. Or picking up Siakam without giving up either Sharpe/#3.

We can't just pull off trades this summer for equal value or a loss in talent as the franchise has done, and contend now with Dame.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

I read somewhere that Schmidt is rumored to have said we're not trading the #3 pick.

I would love this if true.

Only way I can see it is if they just have Scoot/Miller ranked super high on their board. Maybe they plan was to trade the 5-8 pick for a win now vet, but with the superstar potential they now have at #3 they are keeping it.

 

[tykendo]

I came to terms with this road when the Clippers trade happened. Thats why I was so furious of the moves at the time, it basically spelled the end of Dame contending in Portland window as I saw it. Pissed the hell out of me so many celebrated the end of the Dame window only because they saw it as an F U to Olshey's roster.

The team has actually recovered much better than I expected since then, as Sharpe and the #3 pick are crazy valuable assets. Those are the two most valuable asset of the franchise IMO. So I'm delighted we got those, and it gives us a real chance to have something in the decade ahead.

But the team just doesn't have the pieces to build a contender now with Dame. I'd love for Cronin to prove me wrong, but to do so he's got to complete some crazy trades such as Bridges Claxton for Nurk and #3. Or picking up Siakam without giving up either Sharpe/#3.

We can't just pull off trades for equal value or a loss in talent as the franchise has done this summer, and contend now with Dame.[/QU I think adding Bridges ( #3 / Ant) to the starting lineup , and depth on the bench with a Jae Crowder (UFA) makes the Blazers a pretty damn strong team , as long as they stay healthy. Again, that's with every team. And they still would have most of their future capital in tact to make a 3rd move if it presented itself.

 

[tykendo]

I would love this if true.

Only way I can see it is if they just have Scoot/Miller ranked super high on their board. Maybe they plan was to trade the 5-8 pick for a win now vet, but with the superstar potential they now have at #3 they are keeping it.

So you think Scoot & Miller are better than Mikal Bridges.

 

[TBpup]

I read somewhere that Schmidt is rumored to have said we're not trading the #3 pick.

It came from some of the info from being on with Zach Lowe. Pretty easy to guess where JV would be getting his source.

 

[1 Eye Jack]

I'd say Scoot or Miller are a better return.

while nice to get extra pieces but Miller or Scoot have all star potential

It came from some of the info from being on with Zach Lowe. Pretty easy to guess where JV would be getting his source.

I think it would make sense to put it out there that we aren’t trading the pick. Drives up value knowing it wil take something special for Blazers trade pick.

 

[TBpup]

while nice to get extra pieces but Miller or Scoot have all star potential


I think it would make sense to put it out there that we aren’t trading the pick. Drives up value knowing it wil take something special for Blazers trade pick.

Exactly my reaction. They put out that there were open to trading the pick and then were underwhelmed at the offers they were getting. So Schmitz tells is boy JV they are thinking they will keep the pick, trying to drive the price up. Good! If we are giving up the #3, I want a no-brainer move that doesn't gut the team both now and in the future.

 

[LayneStaley]

https://fanspo.com/nba/trade-machine

Orlando - #3/Nas Little

Portland - Franz Wagner/Siakam

Toronto - Ant/Nurk/#6


Dame
Sharpe
Wagner
Siakam
Lively (with the 23rd pick?)


Edit: Link doesn’t work but it was accepted.

 

[CJ_is_Gone]

It came from some of the info from being on with Zach Lowe. Pretty easy to guess where JV would be getting his source.

Who is JV?

 

[Phatguysrule]

26 min mark.

Givony thinks Portland keeps the pick and selects between whoever falls among either Miller or Scoot.

Given his connections to Schmitz, I give this some weight.

I definitely think that's what Schmitz would prefer.

 

[inconceivable]

I read somewhere that Schmidt is rumored to have said we're not trading the #3 pick.

I believe this is a play to drive up the pick's value. If teams know we are trading the pick, they will lowball us.

 

[Phatguysrule]

Probably get the clone of Zach Collins in there somewhere.

Well, if the clone is a healthier version that might be alright...

 

[BankTeller]

https://fanspo.com/nba/trade-machine

Orlando - #3/Nas Little

Portland - Franz Wagner/Siakam

Toronto - Ant/Nurk/#6


Dame
Sharpe
Wagner
Siakam
Lively (with the 23rd pick?)


Edit: Link doesn’t work but it was accepted.

That's a lot to ask of a 19 year old rookie.

 

[SharpeScooterShooter]

Huge, huge, huge risk with Ayton. His ego wants to be Embiid. First option. His talent is almost there. His work ethic is awful people say. He is addicted to video games to such an extent that he does not get proper sleep/rest. Says all the right things, does none of them. The local talkers down here say the Suns aren't looking for a star, they want the depth players they lost in the Durant trade and a center. Nurk is half the price and a good passer and a team guy so he could be a fit down here. They don't need a race horse. Not advocating for Ayton though. He wouldn't work with ball dominant Dame.

I think Dame could temper him for the betterment of team ball.

 

[B-Roy]

https://theathletic.com/4535111/2023/05/19/nba-draft-rumors-notes-hollinger/

• Note that I said “the team at No. 3” because of widespread speculation the Trail Blazers, who currently own the pick, will seek to trade out of the third position rather than select another young player. With Portland in “win it for Dame” mode and the Blazers desperate for playable wings (even presuming they re-sign Jerami Grant), speculation is already widespread that a package of the third pick and Anfernee Simons might be used to snag an elite small forward.

Marang has said the Blazers #1 option is hoping Boston loses and trade #3 + Ant for Jaylen Brown because Jaylen Brown actually wants to come here. If that doesn't work, try to trade the same package for Mikal Bridges. Doesn't think Bridges is available though even for this package. They don't want/are not willing to pay for whatever Toronto is asking for Siakam. Both Marang and Highkin have been pretty plugged in the Blazers plans in the Cronin era.

I saw @hoopsjock stream last night and he basically said the same thing as Marang.

Also all 3 folks ^ have basically said if they can't get anyone on their short list (re: Brown, Bridges), then a break up with Dame is entirely possible, even likely. So better hope they can shake free someone on their short list. Marang and Highkin have both send on the record that if we walk out of the draft using the pick, it's most likely lights out on the Dame era.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

https://theathletic.com/4535111/2023/05/19/nba-draft-rumors-notes-hollinger/



Marang has said the Blazers #1 option is hoping Boston loses and trade #3 + Ant for Jaylen Brown because Jaylen Brown actually wants to come here. If that doesn't work, try to trade the same package for Mikal Bridges. Doesn't think Bridges is available though even for this package. They don't want/are not willing to pay for whatever Toronto is asking for Siakam. Both Marang and Highkin have been pretty plugged in the Blazers plans in the Cronin era.

I saw @hoopsjock stream last night and he basically said the same thing as Marang.

Also all 3 folks ^ have basically said if they can't get anyone on their short list (re: Brown, Bridges), then a break up with Dame is entirely possible, even likely. So better hope they can shake free someone on their short list. Marang and Highkin have both send on the record that if we walk out of the draft using the pick, it's most likely lights out on the Dame era.

This seems reasonable. Agreed these are three actual plugged in sources.

If so it would alleviate my fear the Blazers would explore a poor Siakam deal. I heard Toronto wants Ant, Sharpe, AND #3 for Siakam. I'm hoping the Blazers don't give into Masai negotiations, as a simple Ant and #3 for Siakam trade is still bad.

I can understand #3 and Ant for Brown or Bridges. I probably hold firm asking for a bit more if I was in charge. But if the Blazers are drawing the line with those two and no additional picks, I don't hate it.

I'd be very excited for either core of Ant/Sharpe/Miller or Scoot/Ant/Sharpe. Yeah Dame probably doesn't fit with either, especially the latter. But it is what it is, and if theres no realistic way to contend with Dame now, thats just where were at.

The Harden noise is certainly something to pay attention to. If Harden does infact plan to sign with the Rockets, Morey seems like the type of GM who would have no fear trading out the MVP if it better positions the franchise long term.

But once the #3 pick is made, and if the Blazers don't trade it, I think that kind of ends these thoughts of trading the pick to win now with Dame. Teams want to pick their exact guy at the draft, not try to work out a deal weeks or months later.

 

[illmatic99]

I think Ant + 3 is an overpay for Bridges.

 

[tykendo]

I think Ant + 3 is an overpay for Bridges.

I get what your saying. I hope the hype for Scoot / Miller goes through the roof. That way # 3 is way more valuable, and maybe could net (pun intended) Mikal Bridges / Nic Claxton for Ant / # 3. It really relies on the Hornets though. We need them to fall in love with Miller.

 

[B-Roy]

I think Ant + 3 is an overpay for Bridges.

In a vacuum and on pure trade value sure, but in the context of where Brooklyn is, I don't think it's crazy for them to decline. If Bridges was on a team that had control of their draft picks it would be different.

 

[glazeduck]

I get what your saying. I hope the hype for Scoot / Miller goes through the roof. That way # 3 is way more valuable, and maybe could net (pun intended) Mikal Bridges / Nic Claxton for Ant / # 3. It really relies on the Hornets though. We need them to fall in love with Miller.

LOOOVE the fit of Claxton on a suped-up Dame-led Blazers team. Young, long, energetic, productive without the ball (or need for shots), solid and versatile defender, CHEAP... He and the Magic bigs are our best bets for addressing that spot, if we're building around Dame, I think...

 

[SharpesTriumph]

I think Ant + 3 is an overpay for Bridges.

Maybe if we had a more dependable top10 center and Sharpe fully reached his prime I'd be on board for that trade. Grant would be the worst starter. Then Ant + 3 for Bridges has a real chance to make us a legit contender. I can see overpaying a bit if its the final step to contend.

But Sharpe might still be a good 3-4 years away, and Nurk isn't that center. The Blazers just aren't that close.

They need a better move first before an all in final move. Something such as hitting on the #3 pick being a star on a cheap rookie deal has that chance.