https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bl...azers-nba-deadline-latest-news-buyers-sellers Lowe: Blazers Might “Fall a Little Short” in Gordon Sweepstakes ESPN NBA analyst Zach Lowe detailed the competitive market that the Trail Blazers are attempting to navigate at the trade deadline. ---------------- In Little, Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Jones Jr., and Robert Covington, the Blazers have four guys who lean toward power forward in terms of skill set on one end or both. Gordon is a quicker one-on-one defender than Covington, and (in theory) a better shooter and more well-rounded offensive player than Jones. Does Portland have enough to acquire Gordon? I would wager the Blazers fall a little short. What about a smaller wing such as Powell or Oubre? Powell has probably played his way beyond Portland’s reach. Oubre is decent, but do the Blazers really need him if they can slide Gary Trent Jr. to small forward alongside their two star guards? Oubre is a longer and more disruptive defender than Trent, but Trent is the far better shooter. I’m not sure there is a Portland-Golden State deal that makes sense.
Just a simple trade and I'd be really happy. The first thing to do is guarantee the Houston pick, get them to agree to it today. Then I honestly think that the Knicks would do this. I know Randle's value is high right now but if they were interested in CJ at the beginning of the season, they had to know this was what it would cost to get him, so I sweetened the deal with some second rounders and even though the Knicks have been better than some expected lets not act like their a team that's above .500. Obviously KAT is the prize of this deal and although seriously upgrading PF and getting a really good C for him isn't a bad move, it wouldn't be enough and I'd be willing to give both of those picks to make that happen. I think we end up with a roster that can compete for a championship this year and going forward. It's the roster we were playing with most of this season plus a very reliable guard who can defend both positions, hit open jumpers and run an offense and Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns is the perfect second option for Dame, he improves us drastically on both sides of the ball.
Kevin Oconnor said on his podcast today that execs around the league would bet on Gordon going to Boston, but that Portland, and specifically Lillard, want him on the Blazers. https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tHTNkJdao5DqvF9DZGxme?si=O9DfEj9yS6S5BXhXwCb9xA&context=spotify:show:17GacVP62XZmK5FuOLUpd1 around the 20m mark.
The only package I can come up with that would keep the team under the tax without opening up multiple roster spots would be Gordon and Clark for Jones, Hood, and one of Simons, Little, and Trent. Orlando also has a full roster, so they would have to dump another guy in a separate deal. Is Gordon worth Jones and one of those young players, plus a pick?
If Boston is willing to give up marcus smart - they are for Gordon - I would realllllly think he's a good idea here. One of the toughest guys in the league and great defender. Backs up Damian or plays with him, can do both.
Guys, always expect the unexpected when it comes to trades! I get this premonition that Portland and Philly are working on a deal. Morrey? and Rivers like shooters, and they know they better lock one up now if they want to advance in the offs. CJ is the dude they will want so, does Simmons take us to the next level if he was involved, how about Harris? Premonition is on the verge of a VISION!
It's interesting to see people get prematurely angry for not "getting deals done". We don't know the asking price. I would invite you all to read Richard Thaler's "The Winner's Curse". Generally, those that overpay end up paying twice (once in the beginning and again at the end). Sometimes the best deal is one you don't make.
I know this is just another CJ trade idea from me but Orlando has to like the idea of a McCollum/Vucevic tandem. We get Gordon who would become a great second option for Dame, we get the backup PG we need and we get a guy who can play behind Nurk next season who is a pretty good insurance program if he's healthy.
