\n
\n\t\t\tThe Trail Blazers appear to be on the upswing after making the playoffs for the first time in five years. They also have a new owner in Tom Dundon, who has drawn lots of scrutiny for the cost-cutting measures he implemented while Portland was in the postseason.
\nAlthough Dundon has reportedly ruffled some feathers around the league, particularly in regards to the team\u2019s coaching search, he has developed a reputation as owner of the NHL\u2019s Carolina Hurricanes as being willing to spend on players. Dundon also suggested at his introductory press conference that he would be \u201cmore aggressive than most\u201d in pursuit of star talent.
\nDundon said at the time that general manager Joe Cronin considered making a \u201cbig splash\u201d trade ahead of the deadline. Cronin said a couple days ago that the team was intrigued by the possibility of making a major move, but \u201conly at the right price point.\u201d
\nWith all that in mind, multiple league sources tell Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link) that the Trail Blazers are \u201cexpected to emerge as a prime trade suitor\u201d this summer for Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP who was limited to just 36 games played this season due to injuries.
\nFischer and his colleague Marc Stein reported in late January that the Blazers were among the teams interested in the Greek star. While the feeling at the time was that Portland may have been more motivated to help facilitate a multi-team Giannis trade, Fischer heard this week that the Blazers are just as motivated as other potential Antetokounmpo suitors to acquire him outright.
\nDespite the team\u2019s interest, Portland may not be high on Antetokounmpo\u2019s list of desired destinations if he pushes for a trade this summer, Fischer writes, so selling him on a long-term future with the team could be difficult.
\nAccording to Fischer\u2019s sources, a potential trade offer for Giannis would be built around the contract of Jerami Grant, who\u2019s owed about $70.6MM over the next two seasons. Additional salaries would have to be added to make the deal legal, Fischer notes.
\nIf the Blazers are unable to acquire Antetokounmpo, Wizards big man Anthony Davis is considered a fallback option, sources close to the situation tell Fischer.
\nPortland talked to Dallas during the season about a possible Davis deal centered around Grant and unspecified draft capital, per Fischer, but the Mavs were more interested in clearing their books, which is why they preferred \u2014 and ultimately accepted \u2014 Washington\u2019s package.
\nDavis raised doubts at his first media availability as a Wizard last month about the Washington\u2019s ability to quickly go from the worst team in the league to a contender. NBA insider Chris Haynes recently said on SiriusXM NBA Radio that he wouldn\u2019t be shocked if Davis is traded again this offseason before he ever plays in D.C. (Twitter video link).
\n\u201cI do think there\u2019s a good chance that he may end up somewhere else by the time next season starts,\u201d Haynes said.
\nAntetokounmpo, 31, and Davis, 32, could be free agents in 2027. Both players will be extension-eligible before next season begins and hold player options for \u201927\/28.<\/p>\n