Who is a realistic trade target that contributes to both immediate and long term winning who can help Cade offensively and add wins to our team?
I was thinking something kind of realistic is Jerami Grant. We could throw Harris, Wiseman, Morris for their expiring contracts and some 2nds to the blazers. They’re not competing this year, and getting out from his contract may be wise. People here call him a ball stopper, but that hasn’t been the case in Portland. He’s good defensively and will age well with his jump shot.
Another, perhaps less realistic target would be Lauri on the Jazz. They’re terrible this year and he’s a free agent after 2025. Trading for him and signing him to a Max could be wise. He is still young, a 7 footer who can shoot, score and defend. Ivey would probably be the center piece, our first in 2029, some seconds and expiring contracts could tempt the Jazz.
I see Kyle Kuzma is on the market. At the right price, he at least brings floor spacing and scoring. Again, still young.
I also thought of John Collins for his shooting and interior defense. He was practically given away by the Hawks last season and should be cheap.
I don’t think Portland would trade Jerami for expirings and some 2nds. Getting off of his contract doesn’t do much for them as they’d be over the cap regardless next year and most likely the year after that, depending on how much the cap rises.
Lauri was an all-star last year and is probably going to be one again this year. He’s only 26, so he fits their timeline with Kessler and Keyonte. Speaking of Kessler, he’s been injured this year, which has caused a lot of issues for them. I don’t see Utah trading him because of this, even if Ivey, our 2029 1st, and some 2nds was the offer.
Kuzma is a tough one. He’s had a good season so far and is on a great contract that’ll only get better with time since it’s front-loaded. But, I don’t know if he necessarily fits the character of player we would want and if he’d be fine becoming the 3rd option behind Cade and Ivey when that time comes. Plus, I don’t know if we have the right package for him. The 2029 1st and the Wizards 2nd this year are valuable, but the Wizards may decide to just keep him and look for other offers.
The chance to get Collins passed in the offseason. He’s silenced the criticism of his 3pt shot this year, and it looks like the Jazz need him at PF with how they are handling Taylor Hendricks.
Tbh, I don’t think there is a right option to add a PF rn. Teams don’t trade this early (except for James Harden). I think we’ll see how Bojan looks when he gets back ans use that information to make a decision.