Windhorst: Trail Blazers “Aggressive” in Trade Swings But Are Not Discussing Trading Dame.
By 750 THE GAME STAFF
It’s heating up.
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With the draft less than a week away, we eagerly await the decision of the Trail Blazers with the no. 3 overall pick, whether to keep it or trade it, who to draft if they do keep it, whether or not to trade Anfernee Simons, or even whether or not to fully commit to the rebuild by trading Damian Lillard.
Brian Windhorst of ESPN said on his podcast ‘The Hoop Collective’ published Friday that the Blazers are still engaged in talks involving the third pick that would get the attention of fans in Rip City.
“Portland is trying some pretty aggressive moves, from what I’ve been able to glean,” Windhorst said. “I have no idea how accurate everything is, but they are swinging.”
Windhorst said Thursday on The Dan Patrick Show, and reiterated again Friday on his podcast, that in his opinion the Trail Blazers should explore the trade market for Lillard because they are perfectly positioned to start a rebuild around Shaedon Sharpe, the third pick this year, and Anfernee Simons.
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But while he holds that opinion, he in no way is getting those vibes from Portland’s front office.
“If they wanted to, they’re primed, they could get a haul for Dame, and they can have two lottery picks to rebuild around,” said Windhorst. “But that is not the direction they’re going at all. That is not the intel that I’m having at all. If that’s being considered, it’s not being discussed outside of the family.”
With a Dame trade off the table, Windhorst says Joe Cronin is all-in on trying to shop no. 3, and perhaps more.
“Portland is actively trying to trade the three pick to support Dame Lillard. And I mean actively. But I don’t know if they’re going to get something done.”
If they are unable to find a trade they like for the third pick, all eyes turn to Charlotte’s selection at number two overall, whether it is Alabama wing Brandon Miller or G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson.
That is, unless Charlotte themselves finds a trade they like to get out of the second pick. The recent rumors of New Orleans being open to trading Zion Williamson makes Charlotte and Portland both intriguing trade partners with the Pels.
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But Windorst thinks when it’s all set and done, no trade will finalize near the top of the draft.
“If you ask me, I suspect that there’s not going to be a trade. Charlotte will pick two and the Blazers will have to pick three.”
As of now, it seems Damian Lillard will not be traded before the draft, Portland remains actively shopping the third pick and perhaps more to get Dame some impact help, and the Hornets will be the first domino that will kickstart the intrigue next Thursday.
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