The Portland Trail Blazers might be satisfied with just acquiring Deni Avdija as their sole trade this offseason. With their current financial situation under the luxury tax and a likely bottom-five record, they are positioning themselves for a potential top pick in the deep 2025 NBA Draft.
However, the Blazers also have several players who could be valuable trade assets. This could be due to a mismatch with the rebuilding timeline, blocking younger players’ development, expensive contracts, high trade value, or a mix of these factors, if the right opportunity arises.
Blazers receive Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II
In a mock proposal by Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale, the Blazers could acquire Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II. However, the situation with Payton II is complicated due to his previous departure from Portland. Favale acknowledges the awkwardness, stating that while the past might be an issue, Portland can move past it.
Wiggins, often undervalued due to high expectations as the No. 1 overall pick in 2014, had a disappointing season with a career-low average of 13.2 points per game. Nonetheless, he would fill a crucial need for the Blazers as a versatile wing who can shoot from beyond the arc. If he rebounds this season, the Blazers might even consider trading him for younger talent. However, Wiggins isn’t an All-Star, which means his presence wouldn’t drastically change Portland’s record, helping them maintain strong odds for the top pick next summer, especially if Ayton is also moved.
The main concern with any trade, of course, is what the Blazers would have to give up. While Wiggins and Payton II are solid players, neither aligns with Portland’s rebuilding strategy. So, what’s the real catch?
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