The “mediocrity treadmill” is something most NBA teams try to avoid. Yet somehow, for some franchises, it appears to be unavoidable.

Quite often, those are small-market teams. They can hesitant to start long-term rebuilding processes with less financial freedom than their big-city counterparts.

For some of these teams, keeping butts in the seat is a higher priority than building a contender.

For a long time, the Portland Trail Blazers have felt like one of those teams. Damian Lillard’s presence has kept them competitive for the better part of a decade, but it’s never felt like they had a serious shot at the NBA championship.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: 5 Trade Packages To Get Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant To Contender Amid Request

Generally, this team has been apprehensive about making major moves. In 2021-22, they changed their tune somewhat by shipping CJ McCollum to the New Orleans Pelicans. Could they rock the boat again this summer?

If they were to swing a trade for Kevin Durant, they surely would. Here’s a deal that lands the Slim Reaper in Rip City.