Much as been written and spoken about what the Portland Trail Blazers should and shouldn’t do this offseason. The speculation has been devoid of consensus, partially due to the lack of standout talent in this week’s NBA Draft and partially due to the disparity in experience across the roster.
Once the draft is run and done, we should have a better idea of what the Blazers plan to do. Not just by the selections they make but the deals they likely do during the now expanded two-day event.
Before I go any further, I wanted to highlight that I’d planned to write a piece predicting what the Blazers would do with their picks. But as soon as I started typing, I realized that outside of liking young forwards Cody Williams and Tidjane Salaun, I had no idea what will go down.
The experience disparity resolution is a little easier to predict. General Manager Joe Cronin is more than likely to move at least two of the roster’s existing veterans over the next few weeks.
But the rationale won't be just to move veterans for the sake of making way for the young core. That's part of it, but it’s also to ensure the Blazers can extract as much value from said veterans as they can. Waiting another transaction cycle could both increase or decrease value for individual players. The skill is knowing when to pull the trigger.
No matter how deep this rebuild goes, the Blazers will always need veterans. But given their current financial position, it’s a hindrance when they're earning serious chunks of the salary cap.
The Blazers currently have a group of veterans who arguably carry with them positive value. They are Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons, Malcolm Brogdon and Matisse Thybulle. I’ve left Robert Williams III off the list given his likely neutral-to-negative trade value, however there’s still a chance he is moved.
Below are six teams — in no particular order — each Blazer might be a fit for and a likely package that might return to Portland. To be clear, the pieces returning are not specific packages, they're just a collection of assets that might be relinquished by the relevant trade partner.
Jerami Grant
Age: 30
Position: Forward
Remaining contract: Four years, $132.4 million (player option on the final year)
23-24: 54 games, 21.0 points, 40.2% 3pt, 3.5 boards, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks
- Cleveland Cavaliers - Assuming Jarrett Allen is moved this offseason, Grant makes sense next to Evan Mobley in the Cavaliers front court. The other domino is obviously Donovan Mitchell but Grant is a fit regardless.
Assets that might return: Max Strus, Georges Niang, one-to-two non-2024 first round picks
- Philadelphia 76ers The 76ers enjoy a ton of roster space, allowing them to take back money without sending any out. If Philadelphia's pursuit of Paul George flames out, they might look to do a lopsided trade or two, in this case bringing Grant back to where his NBA journey began.
Assets that might return: At least two first round picks (ideally from the Clippers), salary relief
- Miami Heat Relations between the two franchises, furthest away geographically, surely aren’t great following the Damian Lillard saga. Outside Nikola Jovic, the Heat don’t really have options at power forward with Grant able to fill the void extremely well.
Assets that might return: Duncan Robinson, Jaime Jaquez Jr (though unlikely), Josh Richardson, first round pick
- Chicago Bulls The Bulls have a decision to make on restricted free agent power forward Patrick Williams. If he finds a new home or is relegated to the bench, Grant would be a decent fit next to Nikola Vucevic.
Assets that might return: Lonzo’s Ball’s expiring deal, Ayo Dosunmu, Julian Phillips, Portland’s own first round future, two extra firsts.
- Atlanta Hawks In a perfect world, this deal is done on draft night, with the Blazers somehow getting the first overall pick but I wouldn’t put money on it. Even if the Hawks kept the pick, Grant might be a player they would take a look at, assuming they don’t select Alex Sarr.
Assets that might return: De’Andre Hunter, AJ Griffin, 2024 first overall pick or two protected future first rounders
- Houston Rockets Jabari Smith Jr. would be an unlikely homerun. But considering his comments during the NBA Finals about not living up to expectation, he may be less untouchable than we think. Grant makes sense in his place on a roster run by Ime Udoka who likes to win.
Assets that might return: Less likely Jabari Smith Jr, more likely Tari Eason Dillon Brooks, future first round pick.
Anfernee Simons
Age: 25
Position: Guard
Remaining contract: Two years, $53.6 million (extension eligible)
23-24: 46 games, 22.6 points, 38.5% 3pt, 3.6 boards, 5.5 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.1 blocks
- Orlando Magic Sending Simons home to Orlando makes sense given the Florida franchise’s lack of any real standout offense in the backcourt and decent cap space. Simons also makes a lot of sense next to defensive minded Jalen Suggs.
Assets that might return: Wendell Carter Jr., Jett Howard one-to-two first round picks, salary relief
- Brooklyn Nets The Nets have indicated a want to rebuild around Mikal Bridges who reportedly has a good relationship with Simons. Brooklyn is also in need of backcourt help, lending credence to the idea of Simons swapping coasts.
Assets that might return: Cameron Johnson, Dariq Whitehead/Noah Clowney, one-to-two first round picks (Phoenix Suns)
- Toronto Raptors The hitch in this suggestion was the arrival of Immanuel Quickley in Toronto at the deadline. The idea of a Quickley, Simons backcourt is admittedly small but definitely intriguing.
Assets that might return: Gradey Dick, Jalen McDaniels, first round pick, salary relief
- Los Angeles Lakers Simons gives LeBron James and Anthony Davis another offensive outlet when Austin Reaves isn’t firing. Simons also gives Rob Pelinka young talent to fall back on when James either retires or moves elsewhere.
Assets that might return: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, one-to-two first round picks
- Utah Jazz The Jazz are in a similar position to the Blazers, however their future frontcourt is a little more established with Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler on the books. Simons gives Danny Ainge young talent, along with Keyonte George to build around in the backcourt.
Assets that might return: Collin Sexton, Taylor Hendricks, first round pick
- San Antonio Not sure whether you’re aware but the Spurs need backcourt players to support Victor Wembanyama. If they don’t land Stephon Castle at the draft, Simons is a solid youthful back up plan with six years of NBA experience to help the French phenom push the Spurs forward.
Assets that might return: Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, first round pick
Malcolm Brogdon
Age: 31
Position: Guard
Remaining contract: One year, $22.5 million (extension eligible)
23-24: 39 games, 15.7 points, 41.2% 3pt, 3.8 boards, 5.5 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.2 blocks
- Philadelphia 76ers We return to the 76ers who have two things the Blazers need, first round picks and cap space. Brogdon is a nice mentor to Tyrese Maxey while still being able to contribute alongside him or in support off the bench.
Assets that might return: First round pick, salary relief
- Miami Heat Back to our old friends down in South Beach. Terry Rozier was a nice pick up for the Heat last season, but Brogdon is an upgrade. Whether they’re willing to give up actual assets remains to be seen.
Assets that might return: Duncan Robinson, Orlando Robinson, first round pick
- New Orleans Pelicans Brogdon fits pretty much anywhere, but particularly with the Pelicans’ young, long wings. His arrival would either push former Blazer CJ McCollum to the bench or onto another team.
Assets that might return: Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels, Jordan Hawkins, first round pick
- Los Angeles Lakers We mentioned Simons to the Lakers earlier. But one could argue Brogdon is a better fit for the more experienced Los Angeles roster, particularly with his ability to contribute on both sides of the ball.
Assets that might return: Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, first round pick
- Brooklyn Nets Though less likely given the Nets’ push to rebuild, Brogdon would be another fit next to Bridges to help accelerate the New York borough’s return to competitiveness after the Kevin Durant-Kyrie Irving-James Harden saga.
Assets that might return: Dennis Schroder, Dariq Whitehead/Noah Clowney, first round pick (Phoenix Suns).
- Houston Rockets Brogdon makes even more sense in Houston if the Rockets move on from Jalen Green. Brogdon and Fred Van Vleet give Udoka the experienced and versatile backcourt he needs to compete.
Assets that might return: Jock Landale, Jae’Sean Tate, Cam Whitmore, 2024 third overall pick
Matisse Thybulle
Age: 27
Position: Wing
Remaining contract: Two years, $22.5 million (player option on the final year)
23-24: 65 games, 5.4 points, 34.6% 3pt, 2.1 boards, 1.4 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.8 blocks
- Cleveland Cavaliers Regardless of what happens with Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell this summer, Thybulle gives the Cavaliers a steady wing presence. If he can maintain an above-average three point percentage, Thybulle should be an asset for a team hoping to contend.
Assets that might return: Georges Niang, protected first round pick
- Orlando Magic The Magic are already an impressive defensive outfit. Adding Thybulle offers an almost impenetrable force at the wing along with Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Isaac, giving most NBA offenses real headaches.
Assets that might return: Joe Ingles, first round pick
- Atlanta Hawks As mentioned, the Hawks appear the most unpredictable franchise going into the draft. Thybulle makes particular sense if Atlanta looks to move on from any young wings, not named Jalen Johnson.
Assets that might return: AJ Griffin, Kobe Bufkin, future protected first round pick
- Brooklyn Nets Thybulle’s age makes him attractive for both contending and rebuilding teams. Combining him with Bridges might close any and all possible passing lanes in Brooklyn.
Assets that might return: Dariq Whitehead/Noah Clowney, protected 2025 Phoenix Suns first round pick
- Houston Rockets Another experienced wing Udoka can deploy to exact his aggressive game plan on opponents. Thybulle’s trade value might be the highest it’s been in years given his improved long-range shooting.
Assets that might return: Jock Landale, protected 2026 Brooklyn Nets first round pick
- San Antonio Spurs Another piece for coach Popovich to sick on opposing offensive players to make scoring an extremely difficult proposition. He’s still young enough to grow with Wembanyama and the young Spurs core.
Assets that might return: Devonte’ Graham, non-2024 first round pick
Conclusion
The above suggestions are obviously simplified examples of what could become three or four-team transactions. The purpose of this exercise is to highlight what might be available for each of the four players discussed.
But don’t expect all four to be dealt this summer. The Blazers aren’t parting with their veterans on a whim, they want to extract as much value as possible while not losing all their experienced voices.
The new two-day draft format could create room for more trades. One of the franchises that may benefit from this is Portland who still needs to wheel and deal to get its books in order for the 2024-25 season.
