Portland Trail Blazers: A busy 2023 offseason ahead
We re-assess what the Portland Trail Blazers accomplished at the trade deadline and how they set the table for a busy summer.
Rob Ryan
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At the trade deadline, the Portland Trail Blazers added Reddish and Thybulle to their rotation.
The Knicks first round pick Portland got in the Josh Hart trade will help the Blazers get back their own conditional pick they sent to Chicago last year. Consequently, it also opens up future picks for Portland to make at least one significant summer move.
They also jettisoned Payton, who had trouble getting along in Portland.
What to make of the Portland Trail Blazers long-term plans
Ideally, the Portland Trail Blazers land Joel Embid in a big trade (including an overpayment) with Philadelphia. If they strike out on their “Big Fish,” Blazers GM Joe Cronin will pivot to players such as OG Anunoby or Jimmy Butler.
Whatever trade takes place, Portland likely overpays for a 2-way player. At this point, they need to outbid their rivals and can no longer afford to neglect defensive issues for another offseason.
Unless a star-level center becomes available, Nurkic stays in Rip City. For all the fan complaints about him, the team is still much better with Nurk on the court than off of it.
He sets better screens than anyone on the team. Additionally, Nurkic draws enough attention from opposing defenses, allowing his teammates to get better looks on the court.
Depending on how he heals up, Justise Winslow is a perfect power forward coming off the bench behind Jerami Grant. He can facilitate better than most at his position, and Winslow has the strength to hold his own.
If the Portland Trail Blazers can resign Winslow on a cheaper contract, they should bring him back. I’d like to see him and Jerami Grant back for 2023-24.