We kept the vets because there wasn’t really a reason to full tank this year. Also I think Joe was trying to get better value. I’m sure we would have made moves if the value was there. Maybe Brogdon isn’t worth anything. I doubt it but maybe that’s the case. We really don’t know what the value is for Grant/Brogdon/RWIII/Simons/Thybulle. I can’t imagine he’s in love with any of those players. He just doesn’t want to dump them for nothing.
Maybe your statement is all true. If that's the case isn't it possible Cronin keeps all of the vets the whole year? Hope we don't and this team gets some picks for them but I have some real concern Cronin wants to do a full youth rebuild and he also has the competency to close those needed deals
Ok well maybe my writing wasn't perfect - I was just saying it a trade does happen at the draft the time it's announced could indicate if the Blazers were only targeting specific players.
Does it matter? Just getting out of Grant's contract is what matters. Swapping 14 for 5 is just icing on the cake.
Because the incentive to full tank this year is MUCH higher than last year. The 2025 draft is insanely better than 2024.
. A lot of international players in the top 20. I counted 11 https://nbadraftroom.com/2025-nba-mock-draft/
Holland & Ware 2 of the highest ceilings in the draft. Holland already a good scorer who becomes very good if his shot improves. Ware is actually pretty well rounded on the offensive end. Good outside shot and good footwork and finishing inside. Both already have a pretty high floor at the defensive end which is a big part of their appeal. Even if they don't reach their ceiling on offense, they will provide defense, rebounding (Ware) and hustle (Holland).
Holland at 5 and Ware at 7? I'm sure the doughheads will say they were both taken too high, but if it's who you really want then you nut up and take them. When they hit, you call out anyone that ridiculed your choices after the draft. With the potential of these two, this could be a very, very beneficial draft.
I think those 2 will be available at 7 and 14, and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if that's exactly who they take.
maybe that should be the next thread 'What could the Blazers do that would surprise you most?' how many options for a poll?
Pretty sure it was last week I said in a thread that with the uncertainty in this draft, if a team identifies a player that they can live with they should just take them, regardless of the draft position. Truly, at this point nobody knows what order players will be coming off of the board. Take your player, spin it, and move on to the next one.
Simons to Orlando makes too much sense for both teams. Not sure what other teams could make sense - I saw an OKC rumor which maybe could be a possibility. A team with good defense but needing some scoring punch is an ideal fit. Spurs also would make sense but I suspect they are not trying to win this soon and prefer younger players. Grant to the Pistons makes a ton of sense for both teams as well. Perhaps Sacramento makes sense. Other Grant destinations are difficult with his large contract. Brogdon with his offense/defense abilities can actually fit with a lot of teams as basically a poor man's Jrue. That might depend on them doing other moves first though. If Atlanta trades away Trae he could fit next to Murray. He could fit in Cleveland if Garland or Mitchell are traded. OKC or Orlando could make sense if they don't get Simons. If Brogdon is healthy and plays well in the Olympics that could also help his value. Ayton makes so much money and there's so few teams needing centers it's probably best to just have him stay with the Blazers. When his contract is an expiring as well as the cap continues to increase he might have more trade value, especially if he puts up bigger stats next season. Timelord probably has to get healthy and play effective minutes for the Blazers first - then he could have some value. It's a gamble. If the Blazers do a few of these gambles with Timelord and to a lesser degree Brogdon, maybe later otherwise, hopefully they can cash out a couple that hit and just eat the contracts of those that miss. Thybulle I doubt has value so probably need to eat another year of his contract first. Blazers should explorer throwing him into deals with one of our 4 vets above as perhaps with us eating a worse contract we could get a better pick. Hoping one of these guys gets traded soon and certainly this off-season. Will be depressing if we have this same vet core in mid July.
Dallas would be interested in Thybulle coming off the bench as one of the best defenders in the league.
Orlando make a ton of sense, and Orlando fans at least, see that. Whether the front office agrees I don't know. Orlando would have plenty of space for an unbalanced trade after July 1, but that assumes they'd renounce their rights to Fultz and Harris and I'm skeptical they would for Fultz OKC? they don't have the matching contracts unless it was Dort + Giddey, and I don't think Simons would have that much value to them. Simons brings shooting and his own shot-creation. But OKC led the NBA in 3ptFG%, was 3rd in overall FG%, and 3rd in offensive rating. I can't see them targeting Ant I'd wonder if OKC might gamble a passel of 2nd round picks on Timelord? but again, matching contracts is a problem
