I should have left the trade for Buck off the list since that was just a player and a pick for Buck. The others involved multiple players going out for one star coming back to the Blazers. That's pretty much the definition of a consolidation trade in my view.
Actually I googled "consolidation trade", but you're welcome. Regarding your question... The way I have heard the term consolidation trade used in the NBA refers to the abundance of quality players at multiple positions. One or more of the players is traded to give more playing time to the remaining players.
That definition has absolutely nothing to do with an NBA trade. Consolidating in terms of a trade means sending out multiple lesser value assets for one (or at least a lesser number) larger value asset(s).
I think you're getting at a common motivation for a consolidation trade, rather than what it is. If it was just about getting rid of players so others could play, you could cut them. As far as I've ever seen the term used, it's trading from an abundance of depth to get fewer (or just one) better players. That's why the Pippen trade is a classic consolidation trade--the Blazers traded a bunch of solid players for one (aging) star. It reduces depth, but focuses talent into fewer roster spots.
The KiKi trade seemed good at the time but it actually made Denver better. Especially when our 2nd round pick beat him out for the starting position a couple of years later. Hell both Fat Lever, and Calvin Natt were just as good by themselves. Risky for sure unless the player is a superstar. If not, an equivalent talent can usually be found. Depth this year is needed more than ever.
We need a 2nd all-star player, this one being over 6'7", who can play on both ends of the floor. That's what wins championships in the NBA. Harry Giles, Greg Popovich, Nassir Little, DJJ, etc are not going to put us over the top.
Basically, this. However, I'll reframe it: If we can get a top 5 or 7 player at their position, yes. Otherwise, no.
Frankly the only time I see the term “consolidation trade” used is on this forum. I may be wrong though.
I don't think you are wrong. Sounds like something someone thought up and started using because it made sense for what they were trying to say. No problem with that at all. But i have never heard of something called a "Consolidation Trade".
