Where do the Portland Trail Blazers go after losing New Orleans’ pick?
Conclusion
It’s safe to come out of the bunker; it’s not the end of the world for the franchise. This summer, Portland still likely has the assets to upgrade both forward spots and the bench. In addition, they still have a mid-level lottery pick that could end up in the top four after the lottery.
They have Milwaukee’s 2025 first and an army of second-rounders that they can package together. Eric Bledsoe‘s expiring contract, a 20.8 million trade exception, and a few smaller trade exceptions. If they use the 20.8 million trade exception before free agency starts, they will then have the mid-level exception and bi-annual to work with to fill out the rest of the roster.
More significant roles for bench players like Josh Hart and Nassir Little could lead to increased value if either of them is needed in a trade down the road. I also expect Portland to re-sign Joe Ingles, using his contract in the same way Portland used Rodney Hoods‘ last contract as an asset that can be moved by next season’s trade deadline.
#1 dunk of the season!
Can't wait to have @2ez_nassie back on the floor ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Shqm15xc7f
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 22, 2022
However you look at it, this offseason will see arguably the most flexibility that the Portland Trail Blazers have had in the Damian Lillard era. We now wait and see what the team does with that flexibility.