Portland Trail Blazers at the trade deadline: Choosing a direction
As the NBA season ticks closer to the March 25 trade deadline, the Portland Trail Blazers must decide which way to take the franchise.
The NBA trade deadline is less than two weeks away. While Saturday’s minor trade was the NBA’s first in five weeks, it doesn’t mean phone lines are quiet around the league. One team that should be in the thick of any trade talks is the Portland Trail Blazers. They are in a sort of limbo. Portland is more than good enough to make the playoffs. However, their talent seems to fall short against the NBA’s top teams.
It’s a sticky situation for Blazers General Manager Neil Olshey as the March 25 deadline approaches. Does he cash in on the potential of the team’s young players and acquire vets for a long playoff run? Or should Olshey continue cultivating those young players to build a potential powerhouse in a year or two?
Everyone wants a winner. But at what cost? It’s hard to see the team get stronger now while at the same time building for the future. Portland’s fans are just as divided on this as well. It’s been close to 45 years since the Trail Blazers last won a championship. It would be great to raise another banner at the Moda Center.
Complicating matters is the Trail Blazer’s injury situation. Two of their starters, guard CJ McCollum (foot) and center Jusuf Nurkic (wrist), are out long term. It will be at least another week before either is re-evaluated and a possible return date planned. Power forward Zach Collins (ankle) is a pending restricted free agent. He won’t be back until close to the playoffs in mid-May.
This article reflects both sides of thinking when analyzing what Portland Trail Blazers should do. Like most fans, I have an inner clash between thinking of win now (Rob) and planning for the future (Robert). So here is the me vs. me of my thought process.