The Portland Trail Blazers have made it clear that their priority next season is a return to the playoffs, viewing it as the next step in their growth as a franchise.
To push toward that goal, they waived Deandre Ayton and brought in Jrue Holiday, though competing in the tougher conference remains a challenge.
Bleacher Report suggests a trade proposal that could not only boost Portland’s playoff chances but also position them as a legitimate threat.
Trade proposal from Bleacher Report would be a huge win for the Trail Blazers
Here is the full proposal:
Trail Blazers receive: Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin
Pacers receive: Jerami Grant, Donovan Clingan, 2028 first-round pick (via ORL), 2030 first-round pick (via POR or MIL)
For Portland, this would be nothing short of a dream scenario. Landing three rotation players from an NBA Finals roster while offloading Jerami Grant’s massive contract would be a franchise-altering win—even if it meant giving up Clingan and two first-rounders.
From Indiana’s perspective, though, the deal makes little sense. The Pacers are high on Nembhard, one of the league’s most promising young perimeter defenders. Toppin has carved out a valuable role as a spark plug off the bench, and Mathurin is on the cusp of becoming a strong starter. Given their trajectory, there’s virtually no chance Indiana would entertain this swap.
The Trail Blazers likely will wait until the trade deadline to make another trade
It’s unlikely Portland will find a taker for either Jerami Grant or Robert Williams III before the season begins, making the trade deadline the more realistic window to watch.
The Blazers believe that if they can stay healthy, they have a legitimate shot at the playoffs—even in a loaded Western Conference.
As for the Pacers proposal, it’s simply not a deal that will ever be on the table.
Source: SI.com
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