The Trail Blazers appear to be on the hunt for a veteran superstar.
There was buzz around the NBA trade deadline that the Portland Trail Blazers were looking to make a splash move, and that was further validated this week in a recent report from Jake Fischer.
Not only did Fischer indicate that the Blazers could have interest in trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer, but he also revealed that Portland was a major suitor for Anthony Davis at the trade deadline as the Dallas Mavericks shopped him.
Obviously, Davis ultimately went to the Washington Wizards in a package built around Khris Middleton, draft picks and other pieces, but the Blazers were absolutely in those sweepstakes. The Mavericks simply opted to go with the offer Washington had on the table.
Fischer reported that the Blazers were in direct contact with Dallas to gauge the Mavericks’ interest in a potential deal. It was further reported that Portland’s offer was centered around Jerami Grant and draft capital.
Dallas ultimately opted for flexibility and the contracts coming back in the Wizards deal over Portland’s offer.
While the Blazers did miss out on that sweepstakes, it doesn’t necessarily mean the door is closed. There’s already been some friction between Davis and the Wizards, including comments he’s made this offseason and the possibility that he may not want to be in Washington moving forward.
He’s obviously in the later stage of his career and wants to be on a contending team. Davis has always been a player who prefers to be in winning situations, and there’s certainly a world where the Wizards trade him before he ever plays a game in a Washington uniform.
So if there was interest at the deadline, there still may be interest this summer.
Whether it’s Antetokounmpo, Davis or another veteran superstar, all signs are pointing to Portland wanting to take that next step. The Blazers are no longer just trying to be an interesting playoff competitor. They appear to be exploring what it would take to become a legitimate contender with a chance to win it all.