Portland Trail Blazers: No Action at the Trade Deadline
Chris Phillips
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The Portland Trail Blazers are in a tight spot. They are currently the last team in the playoff tourney. And they are also operating without a GM. Therefore, Blazer fans shouldn’t expect any action from their team.
The Portland Trail Blazers find themselves currently two and a half games ahead of San Antonio for the final spot in the play-in tournament. The Blazers are six and a half games behind Denver to be in the NBA playoffs. The NBA trade deadline is 11 days away. So, what should or shouldn’t the Blazers do?
Blazers are Buyers at the Deadline
They could go out and make some trades to bolster the roster and make a strong playoff push. The margin that the Portland Trail Blazers are behind Denver isn’t insurmountable. Get a healthy Damian Lillard back and this team can really take off. Even if they get a healthy Larry Nance Jr, Cody Zeller, and/or CJ Elleby back soon this team can still climb the standings. This team, without Lillard, will lack some firepower. However, the Anfernee Simons breakout has softened the Lillard loss.
Sellers at the Deadline
On the other hand, the loss of Lillard could make it hard for the Portland Trail Blazers to climb any higher in the standings. In fact, it’s possible they could lose ground and find themselves watching the playoffs like us. So, maybe the Blazers should look to trade some of their players on expiring contracts for young players that they can include in the team’s future plans.
Blazers are Quiet at the Deadline
What may be the most important fact of all is the fact the Portland Trail Blazers don’t currently have a GM. Right now the Blazers upper management is currently trying to attract and interview candidates to fill this role. If the Blazers make any deals it could impact which GM candidates are still interested in the open vacancy. For example, it’s been reported that some candidates are asking Owner Jody Allen if they can trade Lillard upon getting the job. So, this is why I’m telling all Rip City fans to be ready for no action at the trade deadline for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Portland Trail Blazers.