The Trail Blazers appear to be on the upswing after making the playoffs for the first time in five years. They also have a new owner in Tom Dundon, who has drawn plenty of scrutiny for the cost-cutting measures he implemented while Portland was in the postseason.
Although Dundon has reportedly ruffled some feathers around the league, particularly in regards to the team’s coaching search, he has developed a reputation during his time with the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes as a team owner who is willing to spend on players. Dundon also suggested at his introductory press conference that he would be “more aggressive than most” in pursuit of star talent.
Dundon said at the time that general manager Joe Cronin considered making a “big splash” trade ahead of the deadline. Cronin said a couple days ago that the team was intrigued by the possibility of making a major move, but “only at the right price point.”
With all that in mind, multiple league sources tell Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link) that the Trail Blazers are “expected to emerge as a prime trade suitor” this summer for Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP who was limited to just 36 games played this season due to injuries.
Fischer and his colleague Marc Stein reported in late January that the Blazers were among the teams interested in the Greek star. While the feeling at the time was that Portland may have been more motivated to help facilitate a multi-team Giannis trade, Fischer heard this week that the Blazers are just as motivated as other potential Antetokounmpo suitors to acquire him outright.
Despite the team’s interest, Portland may not be high on Antetokounmpo’s list of desired destinations if he pushes for a trade this summer, Fischer writes, so selling him on a long-term future with the team could be difficult.
According to Fischer’s sources, a potential trade offer for Giannis would be built around the contract of Jerami Grant, who’s owed about $70.6MM over the next two seasons. Additional salaries would have to be added to make the deal legal, Fischer notes.
If the Blazers are unable to acquire Antetokounmpo, Wizards big man Anthony Davis is considered a fallback option, sources close to the situation tell Fischer.
Portland talked to Dallas during the season about a possible Davis deal centered around Grant and unspecified draft capital, per Fischer, but the Mavs were more interested in clearing their books, which is why they preferred — and ultimately accepted — Washington’s package that featured Khris Middleton‘s sizable expiring salary.
Davis raised doubts at his first media availability as a Wizard last month about Washington’s ability to quickly go from the worst team in the league to a contender. NBA insider Chris Haynes recently said on SiriusXM NBA Radio that he wouldn’t be shocked if Davis is traded again this offseason before he ever plays in D.C., and Fischer has heard similar rumblings (Twitter video link).
“I do think there’s a good chance that he may end up somewhere else by the time next season starts,” Haynes said.
Antetokounmpo, 31, and Davis, 33, could be free agents in 2027. Both players will be extension-eligible before next season begins and hold player options for ’27/28.
Is there a 3rd Apron to the Luxury Tax? Because that’s a pretty ambitious list not to mention risky. Throw in Lillard and what have you got? Besides wasn’t Giannis and Lillard already been done with real bad results? My memory is usually pretty good.
Holiday or Lillard would need to be in any trade for someone making $60 million plus, along with some Portland picks or the Milwaukee picks that Portland controls. But, yeah, the idea of getting Giannis and Dame back together seems silly.
Avdija, Hansen, Jerami Grant and 3 FRP (2027, 28, 29) for Giannis is what the Bucks will ask for.
Obviously Deni and Giannis will not work together on-court, they both play the same role and style, you can only have 1 of those guys.
Will the Blazers do this? Nope.
No chance at Giannis. He will get a say in where he goes, and I would guess POR is near the bottom of the list. AD maybe, especially if POR would negotiate his big extension as part of the deal, although not sure how smart it is locking in AD long term without a huge drop in price.
Anthony Davis is 33 years old and has the body of a 75 year old.
Anthony Davis played 20 games this year. 20.
You don’t get healthier as you get older. Especially bigs. He has logged ALOT of minutes regular season, playoffs since he was 19 years old as a rook. He is cooked.
I absolutely love AD but, it’s not 2022 anymore. He is decaying before our eyes.
To be fair, AD could have probably played quite a bit more after the trade deadline if WAS wasn’t looking for an excuse to shut him down…
But yeah availability is the main issue with AD since NOL.
I don’t know anything about hockey but
“Dundon also suggested at his introductory press conference that he would be “more aggressive than most” in pursuit of star talent.”
reads as “Another meddling owner who can’t stay in his own lane”. I’m sure that will end well.
Wouldn’t rule this out although Deni and Giannas make no sense together and blazers finally look half decent they muck it up.
Grant, Deni, Yang and 2 firsts
Dame Holiday Camara Giannas Clinghan
Scoot Sharpe Murray … …
Built around old heads in Dame Holiday and Giannas this will fizzle out in 2 years and they will be wishing they never gave up Deni and some firsts
Jerami Grant, Scoot Henderson, Kris Murray, Por 2028 1st, Orl 2028 1st, Por 2030 1st & Por 2032 1st to Milwaukee for Giannis & Taurean Prince could work for the Bucks
I could dig a backcourt of Ryan Rollins along w/ Scoot Porter & Scoot Henderson, especially if they can re-sign Porter at a reasonable #. By getting Portland’s 2028 & 2030 1sts the Bucks also erase the pick swaps that Portland owned on them in those drafts.
I Heard the Blazers were interested in Michael Jordan coming back and leading them to a Championship as well.
Make no mistake: AD “rumblings” are always the work of Rich Paul trying to cash in one more time. 💰
Get AD. Giannis not going to Portland.
AD always injured. Giannis and Dame played together already so I’m predicting a reunion. Both are much older though… so not necessarily working out either.
They only made the playoffs because every other team was tanking in their skill bracket
I actually think Deni and Giannis could be a hell of a duo tbh, if they keep Jrue and Camara, you could have a legit shot
Wouldnt be mad if the Warriors pursued AD…