Since the Portland Trail Blazers won the third pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, they have been a common team to pop up in trade rumors. With Damian Lillard still on the roster, they will try to package that pick in a deal that gets them a more win-now return.
In a recent installment of his The Rose Garden Report newsletter, Sean Highkin touched on potential players the Blazers could target with the third pick. Among the key names mentioned were Mikal Bridges, Pascal Siakam, and Boston Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown.
“I would agree that those (Mikal Bridges, Pascal Siakam and Jaylen Brown) are the three primary targets for the (Blazers) when it comes to trades involving the third pick, and I think there’s a reasonable chance something gets done involving one of them.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Mikal Bridges, Pascal Siakam, Jaylen Brown & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
In theory, any one of those players would be a massive upgrade for Portland. The most interesting name is Bridges, who took a massive step forward during his time with the Brooklyn Nets. He built a name in Phoenix for his defense but proved he is capable of much more on the offensive end. In 27 games with the Nets following the trade deadline, Bridges averaged 26.1 PPG on 47.5% shooting.
The player that might be the most realistic for Portland in a trade is Pascal Siakam. After missing the playoffs this season, the Toronto Raptors could be heading in a different direction. They’ve already begun making changes as they parted ways with longtime head coach Nick Nurse.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Mikal Bridges, Pascal Siakam, Jaylen Brown & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
If the Raptors do decide to gear for a youth movement, the Blazers become a trade partner that makes a lot of sense for them. The third pick would allow them to bring in another prime young talent to pair alongside Scottie Barnes long-term. On top of that, the Blazers have players like Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe to use as bargaining chips.
In the weeks leading up to the draft, Portland’s front office will surely be doing their due diligence to see what options are out there.
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