2025 Off-Season Strategy - What will Cronin do?

[Walton1one]

I don’t think POR should trade their 25’ pick, instead they should stay the course

In fact I would rather see them get a 2nd pick in THIS draft, if they can dangle Simons\Ayton\RW3 or even Grant to do so, they should go that route instead

I’d even consider dealing the 29’ pick (worst of) if it could get POR a 2nd swing in the lottery (or a good pick and Grant off the roster)

The reason being: I think chances are pretty decent that POR could be competing for a play in\playoff spot next year, which means forfeiting their pick to CHI, so IMO they should take a few more swings this year,

A lot of teams have a lot of picks, too many to roster, so teams are going to trade picks for future picks, kind of like SA did LY with #8 (MIN). POR doing something like that with the 29’ pick or even a lotto protected 31’ could make sense

Add some more young assets, because even if this team overachieves next year, they are still several years away, so stockpile young players, see who to keep for the long run and trade others for future\present capital

THAT would be the most prudent thing to do

There are a lot of intriguing players after the consensus top 4, like 15-20 players, take a swing on 2 of them

Trade one or more of Ayton\Simons\Grant\ Thybulle\RW3 at the draft\in the offseason, keep a few for the deadline or let a few walk at the end of next season

The team has a developing young core: Deni/Canara/Sharpe/Scoot/Clingan, add (2) guys in 25’ and then build up from there

[DaVoiceMaster]

I would be satisfied if the Blazers were only able to move Grant this summer. Ayton, Simons, and Thybulle will self-correct the following summer when their contracts expire. The Blazers could probably move them and Williams III at the trade deadline.

[BlazersBroncos]

I dont think even a single FRP gets Grant moved - and I wouldnt attach ANY first round picks to move off a player during a rebuild.

We should try to cash Simons and Ayton for contracts of the same length, attached to useless players, with some assets coming back. I think that is far more doable than moving Grant - and preferable as one adds assets and the other requires them.

I think that the Blazers should draft Flagg. And, failed attempts aside, Sydney Sweeney should date me. Neither are likely to happen because of the whole mutual consent and living in the real world thing.

But let's play your hand. What team is going to give up assets and expiring contracts for Simons or Ayton? You do realize that the same reasons you want to get rid of them are the same reasons that other teams don't want to pay a premium to acquire them, right? What mystical team is lining up to trade expiring(s) and pick(s) for a $35.5M year of Ayton? Simons may have protected 1st value, but then you have to replace him. And you're looking at a Kris Murray tier prospect in return. And again, the Blazers can let these contracts run out and free themselves from potential cap space hell - especially if they move Grant, which should be the focus given the potential free cap space after next season.

Your disparaging the idea that we could get minor value from Simons and Ayton while concurrently supporting we trade Jerami Grant who is far more immovable than them.

We could trade Grant, sure, but I would wager it cost 2 protected FRP. No one is taking that salary for a single FRP.

[dckingsfan]

Yeah, probably all of Simons, Ayton, Williams, Thybulle and Sharpe are unmovable this off season without giving up draft assets or taking on worse contracts. They may have value at the trade deadline to take on bad contracts for draft assets.

I am with Walton1one. Keep the pick and try to purchase a second-round pick as well.

Build on Deni/Canara/Sharpe/Scoot/Clingan/Walker/FRP. We aren't going to be able to jettison Grant, so he is in the mix as well.

Then you come back to Ayton, Williams and Sharpe and negotiate hardball and not feel bad if they walk. You put them on reasonable declining contracts. Ayton will throw a hissy fit and leave - so negotiate with him first. Then with Sharpe and if he walks and then gets a reasonable contract, you match. Williams - I am at a loss since he does seem to stay healthy. Simons, don't let the door hit you on the way out and zero chance on Thybulle.

[BlazersBroncos]

I still come back to ORL for Simons - that team clearly needs a guy like him, they have sucked hard after starting strong. All their starters basically are sub 35% from 3 and not even on great volume.

I wonder what type of value they would place on moving off KCP - I think taking on his extra year should build the value PDX could get in a Simons swap - and if Thybulle plays upon his return he might be an ideal replacement for the D KCP brings, but cheaper and with a year less on his deal.

Simons + Thybulle for KCP + Black + DEN FRP

OR

Simons + Thybulle for KCP + Harris + ORL FRP

I think ORL would lean on the Black package to keep their higher FRP.

I might be totally off base here but Simons gives them what they need, moving KCP makes resigning him much more realistic and MT brings some replacement for the loss of wing D after moving off KCP.

G - Anfernee Simons / Cole Anthony / Jase Richardson (FRP)
G - Jalen Suggs / Matisse Thybulle / Jase Richardson (FRP)
F - Franz Wagner / Tristan de Silva / Jett Howard
F - Paolo Banchero / Jonathan Isaac / Mo Wagner
C - Goga Bitazde / Wendell Carter JR / Mo Wagner

[zzaj]

I still come back to ORL for Simons - that team clearly needs a guy like him, they have sucked hard after starting strong. All their starters basically are sub 35% from 3 and not even on great volume.

I wonder what type of value they would place on moving off KCP - I think taking on his extra year should build the value PDX could get in a Simons swap - and if Thybulle plays upon his return he might be an ideal replacement for the D KCP brings, but cheaper and with a year less on his deal.

Simons + Thybulle for KCP + Black + DEN FRP

OR

Simons + Thybulle for KCP + Harris + ORL FRP

I think ORL would lean on the Black package to keep their higher FRP.

I might be totally off base here but Simons gives them what they need, moving KCP makes resigning him much more realistic and MT brings some replacement for the loss of wing D after moving off KCP.

G - Anfernee Simons / Cole Anthony / Jase Richardson (FRP)
G - Jalen Suggs / Matisse Thybulle / Jase Richardson (FRP)
F - Franz Wagner / Tristan de Silva / Jett Howard
F - Paolo Banchero / Jonathan Isaac / Mo Wagner
C - Goga Bitazde / Wendell Carter JR / Mo Wagner

I think the Magic would Balk at either of those offers, honestly--but I'm a poor judge. There aren't many super shooting guard types where Orlando will be drafting though. Ian Jackson maybe? Boogie? eek.

I would 100% do either of those trades if I'm Portland. Getting Orlando's #15 would obviously be a huge boon. There's likely some useful roleplayers at #25 too.

[Sinobas]

I think we're entering into a period where our floor is mediocrity. We'll be too good to get high picks, and we all know we can't land big free agents.

The chance that we land a franchise changing play with a #10 pick is super slim. This is the perfect time to strike, with a lotto pick, young assets on the rise, and expiring contracts.

Package the #10, Sharpe and Expirings and see if we can get a Devin Booker or Sabonis.

Loosing Sharpe would be ok in either case, because we could have a lineup of
Scoot/Deni/Camara/Sabonis/Clingan
or
Scoot/Booker/Deni/Camara/Clingan

Either lineup could be enough to really complete. I'd put that talent level on par with the Drexler era Blazers for example.

Stick first, strike hard, no mercy sir!

[BlazersBroncos]

I still come back to ORL for Simons - that team clearly needs a guy like him, they have sucked hard after starting strong. All their starters basically are sub 35% from 3 and not even on great volume.

I wonder what type of value they would place on moving off KCP - I think taking on his extra year should build the value PDX could get in a Simons swap - and if Thybulle plays upon his return he might be an ideal replacement for the D KCP brings, but cheaper and with a year less on his deal.

Simons + Thybulle for KCP + Black + DEN FRP

OR

Simons + Thybulle for KCP + Harris + ORL FRP

I think ORL would lean on the Black package to keep their higher FRP.

I might be totally off base here but Simons gives them what they need, moving KCP makes resigning him much more realistic and MT brings some replacement for the loss of wing D after moving off KCP.

G - Anfernee Simons / Cole Anthony / Jase Richardson (FRP)
G - Jalen Suggs / Matisse Thybulle / Jase Richardson (FRP)
F - Franz Wagner / Tristan de Silva / Jett Howard
F - Paolo Banchero / Jonathan Isaac / Mo Wagner
C - Goga Bitazde / Wendell Carter JR / Mo Wagner

I think the Magic would Balk at either of those offers, honestly--but I'm a poor judge. There aren't many super shooting guard types where Orlando will be drafting though. Ian Jackson maybe? Boogie? eek.

I would 100% do either of those trades if I'm Portland. Getting Orlando's #15 would obviously be a huge boon. There's likely some useful roleplayers at #25 too.

I suppose it comes down to money. ORL is going to be paying big bucks to their Top-3 guys. If they want to make a move to add that point-getting guard - they more or less have to include KCP in the deal financially.

I would wager that KCP as it stands would cost a late FRP to shave a year off of - but this move wouldnt just be cost-saving.

It is a trick scenario - I dont think the DEN FRP is enough to swap Simons for KCP and take that extra year. But the ORL FRP or Black might be a bridge too far. I suppose it could be no FRP and just Black - but I am not sure a guard who has shown such a poor shot in his first 2 years should be valued more than a high 20's FRP - maybe late teens. And your looking at 2 less years of cost control as he enters his junior year in the NBA.

Maybe to grease the wheels we take on Cole as well as KCP.

Simons + Thybulle + Duop or Kris for KCP + Cole + Black + DEN FRP

ORL shaves a year from KCP and Cole - gets their scoring guard and a replacement defender.
PDX takes on some salary to get a prospect in Black that on paper fits well with Scoot / Sharpe as a 3rd guard off the bench + another late FRP.

[zzaj]

I still come back to ORL for Simons - that team clearly needs a guy like him, they have sucked hard after starting strong. All their starters basically are sub 35% from 3 and not even on great volume.

I wonder what type of value they would place on moving off KCP - I think taking on his extra year should build the value PDX could get in a Simons swap - and if Thybulle plays upon his return he might be an ideal replacement for the D KCP brings, but cheaper and with a year less on his deal.

Simons + Thybulle for KCP + Black + DEN FRP

OR

Simons + Thybulle for KCP + Harris + ORL FRP

I think ORL would lean on the Black package to keep their higher FRP.

I might be totally off base here but Simons gives them what they need, moving KCP makes resigning him much more realistic and MT brings some replacement for the loss of wing D after moving off KCP.

G - Anfernee Simons / Cole Anthony / Jase Richardson (FRP)
G - Jalen Suggs / Matisse Thybulle / Jase Richardson (FRP)
F - Franz Wagner / Tristan de Silva / Jett Howard
F - Paolo Banchero / Jonathan Isaac / Mo Wagner
C - Goga Bitazde / Wendell Carter JR / Mo Wagner

I think the Magic would Balk at either of those offers, honestly--but I'm a poor judge. There aren't many super shooting guard types where Orlando will be drafting though. Ian Jackson maybe? Boogie? eek.

I would 100% do either of those trades if I'm Portland. Getting Orlando's #15 would obviously be a huge boon. There's likely some useful roleplayers at #25 too.

I suppose it comes down to money. ORL is going to be paying big bucks to their Top-3 guys. If they want to make a move to add that point-getting guard - they more or less have to include KCP in the deal financially.

I would wager that KCP as it stands would cost a late FRP to shave a year off of - but this move wouldnt just be cost-saving.

It is a trick scenario - I dont think the DEN FRP is enough to swap Simons for KCP and take that extra year. But the ORL FRP or Black might be a bridge too far. I suppose it could be no FRP and just Black - but I am not sure a guard who has shown such a poor shot in his first 2 years should be valued more than a high 20's FRP - maybe late teens. And your looking at 2 less years of cost control as he enters his junior year in the NBA.

Maybe to grease the wheels we take on Cole as well as KCP.

Simons + Thybulle + Duop or Kris for KCP + Cole + Black + DEN FRP

ORL shaves a year from KCP and Cole - gets their scoring guard and a replacement defender.
PDX takes on some salary to get a prospect in Black that on paper fits well with Scoot / Sharpe as a 3rd guard off the bench + another late FRP.

I could potentially see Simons + Thybulle + Duop for KCP + Cole + Black + DEN FRP working, as Simons and Duop add a thing that Orlando needs and Matisse ostensibly backfills some of the defense lost by KCP, as you mentioned.

I have no gauge on how Orlando views Black at this point. He's regressed slightly with higher USG on offense in his second year, but progressed defensively. His 3pt% has gone down, which is a concern...but I haven't really tracked Orlando enough to note whether that's because of the 3pt looks he's getting, or what.

In any case, for what the Blazers are in terms of identity at this point...he'd likely be an upgrade over Murray or Banton. I think a player would have to be cut in order for that trade to work for roster count?

EDIT: BB, you should bring that to the Orlando board and see what they say...

[BlazersBroncos]

I think the Magic would Balk at either of those offers, honestly--but I'm a poor judge. There aren't many super shooting guard types where Orlando will be drafting though. Ian Jackson maybe? Boogie? eek.

I would 100% do either of those trades if I'm Portland. Getting Orlando's #15 would obviously be a huge boon. There's likely some useful roleplayers at #25 too.

I suppose it comes down to money. ORL is going to be paying big bucks to their Top-3 guys. If they want to make a move to add that point-getting guard - they more or less have to include KCP in the deal financially.

I would wager that KCP as it stands would cost a late FRP to shave a year off of - but this move wouldnt just be cost-saving.

It is a trick scenario - I dont think the DEN FRP is enough to swap Simons for KCP and take that extra year. But the ORL FRP or Black might be a bridge too far. I suppose it could be no FRP and just Black - but I am not sure a guard who has shown such a poor shot in his first 2 years should be valued more than a high 20's FRP - maybe late teens. And your looking at 2 less years of cost control as he enters his junior year in the NBA.

Maybe to grease the wheels we take on Cole as well as KCP.

Simons + Thybulle + Duop or Kris for KCP + Cole + Black + DEN FRP

ORL shaves a year from KCP and Cole - gets their scoring guard and a replacement defender.
PDX takes on some salary to get a prospect in Black that on paper fits well with Scoot / Sharpe as a 3rd guard off the bench + another late FRP.

I could potentially see Simons + Thybulle + Duop for KCP + Cole + Black + DEN FRP working, as Simons and Duop add a thing that Orlando needs and Matisse ostensibly backfills some of the defense lost by KCP, as you mentioned.

I have no gauge on how Orlando views Black at this point. He's regressed slightly with higher USG on offense in his second year, but progressed defensively. His 3pt% has gone down, which is a concern...but I haven't really tracked Orlando enough to note whether that's because of the 3pt looks he's getting, or what.

In any case, for what the Blazers are in terms of identity at this point...he'd likely be an upgrade over Murray or Banton. I think a player would have to be cut in order for that trade to work for roster count?

EDIT: BB, you should bring that to the Orlando board and see what they say...

I would reach out to SAC and see if they would take Kris Murray into TPE / MLE for some cash.

Another idea I came across when looking at the salary list of NBA players is Sam Hauser. BOS likely is losing Al Horford to retirement after this season and Rob Williams reunion would fill a HUGE hole for them. Additionally, Hauser was just paid a decent role player deal (11M AV for 4 years) - and BOS with their impending salary crunch might like to get off that. I like Hauser as a bench shooter, with shooters I care less above fitting the age timeline here since they help youngsters develop.

RWIII for Hauser + 28 or 31

I dont value RWIII at a FRP - but like the ORL deal the contract situation changes the equation. BOS shaves long term money, gets a replacement for Horford (And a guy that has proven to fit). PDX takes on the long deal of Hauser but gets a pick as compensation. IDK - might be off in evaluation here but it seems like a win-win to me.

These 2 deals would leave us with -

G - Scoot Henderson / Anthony Black / Cole Anthony
G - Shadeon Sharpe / Kentavious Caldwell-Pope / Rayan Rupert
F - Toumani Camara / Jerami Grant / Noa Essengue (PDX FRP)
F - Deni Avdija / Sam Hauser / Noah Penda (BOS FRP / SRP)
C - DeAndre Ayton / Donovan Clingan / Johni Broome (ORL FRP via DEN)

We still have vets - but they are more of the low usage, 3/D type which opens usage and minutes for the key youth.

[HoopsFanAZ]

Trading Grant — a guy who likes Portland and who can play alongside both Deni and Toumani after having a bad season for him — is about getting an expiring contract back AND an actual asset at any position.

It’s not that I think Clingan, Deni, Toumani, Sharpe, Scoot — add three years — are the starting 5 on a contender. Maybe? Squint HARD.

BUT I have a really hard time thinking that the returns on trading Grant, Ayton, TimeLord and Ant cannot get players/assets who won’t surpass CURRENT backups — Reath, Walker, Murray, Thybulle, Banton, Rupert … and only Thybulle needs an off ramp. Low bar for trade returns.

Swing for it in the draft — stars, and hit doubles in trade (Deni and Toumani). (If Grant was 26, I’d be okay keeping him and getting a star with size at SG and building a strong bench.)

[DusterBuster]

My gripe with Cronin isn’t his talent evaluation or trade skill, it’s his spine.

He needs to have a little firmer handing in shutting players down or taking control of the roster. Just “letting things play out” isn’t the answer. He did that with Dame, he did that with Grant, he did that with Billups, and he’s doing that with Simons to the detriment of Scoot.

You’re the GM! Your job is to half care about your team and people, but also to make hard decisions. He has yet to make any hard decision that he’s not forced to instead of being proactive and taking initiative.

[dckingsfan]

BUT I have a really hard time thinking that the returns on trading Grant, Ayton, TimeLord and Ant cannot get players/assets who won’t surpass CURRENT backups — Reath, Walker, Murray, Thybulle, Banton, Rupert … and only Thybulle needs an off ramp. Low bar for trade returns.

Like the resto of your post. On this though, you probably will need to take back equal contracts. So... it would be interesting to see what type of player/contract you could get back.

I haven't found many of those scenarios...

[JasonStern]

Your disparaging the idea that we could get minor value from Simons and Ayton while concurrently supporting we trade Jerami Grant who is far more immovable than them.

We could trade Grant, sure, but I would wager it cost 2 protected FRP. No one is taking that salary for a single FRP.

I can keep repeating myself... Simons and Ayton expire after next season. There is no need to move them. Both are in contract years, and are likely more motivated to earn that next new contract. That means more potential trade value at the trade deadline. Or, equally likely, they just expire, and you either take the cap space and do something with it, or try to retain them on team-friendly contracts.

And again, if Simons/Ayton/Grant have any value, why would the Blazers want to move them? If it's because they are average/above average limited, flawed players on large contracts that don't have value, why would any team want to give up actual value for that? If the Blazers get lucky, maybe one team has a GM get desperate and you can move one of them? But this idea that the only thing keeping the Blazers from getting some treasure trove of picks that they will perfectly land is refusing to trade Simons/Ayton/Grant is complete mental masturbation.

Grant destroys max cap space after next season. He is not "2 protected FRP to move" bad, but he would probably require one or two 2nd round picks and some dead cap space to move. Ideally expiring, but even if not, could be stretched to free up cap space after next season. That seems to be the smartest plan moving forward. Certainly a more realistic plan than "maybe the Spurs will give us Wembanyama for Simons/Ayton/Grant!" All for it, but willing to bet that doesn't happen.

[JasonStern]

I don’t think POR should trade their 25’ pick, instead they should stay the course

In fact I would rather see them get a 2nd pick in THIS draft, if they can dangle Simons\Ayton\RW3 or even Grant to do so, they should go that route instead

I’d even consider dealing the 29’ pick (worst of) if it could get POR a 2nd swing in the lottery (or a good pick and Grant off the roster)

The reason being: I think chances are pretty decent that POR could be competing for a play in\playoff spot next year, which means forfeiting their pick to CHI, so IMO they should take a few more swings this year

I think the Blazers should acquire Wembanyama, SGA, and Doncic.

The reason being: That would be a really good team. And the core is young enough to build around. I’d even consider dealing the 29’ pick (worst of). At that point, forfeiting the pick to Chicago shouldn't matter. Unless it costs us Tatum.

Watch on YouTube

[Norm2953]

It'll be interesting to see whether Scoot's recent improvement in his game impacts Portland's
decision making this summer.

If they take French PG Traore, it'll be to replace Scoot for how can they play together?

Team has some decisions to make this summer for assuming they don't get lucky and end up
with a top 3 pick, do they keep playing their vets or go with their young players. They have to
decide if Chauncey is worthy of a new contract, assuming he wants a new contract.

I'd opt to add another player to compliment Deni, Camara, DC, Scoot and Sharpe. Unlikely this
would be the cherished star type of players that never seem to be available to Portland but
what type of player is needed to help the above group, reach .500, if that is the goal for 2026?

I'd love to see another BC scorer if Simons finally is gone. The above guys lack any scoring potential
as a team in a league where teams score lots of points.

[DaVoiceMaster]

Id love to get a decent PF in the draft.

[Butter]

It'll be interesting to see whether Scoot's recent improvement in his game impacts Portland's
decision making this summer.

If they take French PG Traore, it'll be to replace Scoot for how can they play together?

Team has some decisions to make this summer for assuming they don't get lucky and end up
with a top 3 pick, do they keep playing their vets or go with their young players. They have to
decide if Chauncey is worthy of a new contract, assuming he wants a new contract.

I'd opt to add another player to compliment Deni, Camara, DC, Scoot and Sharpe. Unlikely this
would be the cherished star type of players that never seem to be available to Portland but
what type of player is needed to help the above group, reach .500, if that is the goal for 2026?

I'd love to see another BC scorer if Simons finally is gone. The above guys lack any scoring potential
as a team in a league where teams score lots of points.

Scoots improvement and contract timing is why I keep circling the idea of trading Sharpe. It extends the time line to give a young player a max deal.

[Butter]

Id love to get a decent PF in the draft.

Where is Deni getting the bulk of his minutes? I'd like to see him primarily at the four and Camara at the three. If that is the decision, we are basically left with upgrading the SG, OR drafting depth PF of the bench, which I would be good with.

[Norm2953]

It sure would help if Portland added a more mobile big but finding a Wesley Matthews type would
really help Scoot

It'd be interesting if Portland looked at the trade market this summer, assuming they once again
don't get lucky in the lottery. Sharpe + 9/10 might yield another solid player on a good contract
as opposed to drafting someone at 9/10 and hopes he fits with what Portland needs.