2025 Off-Season Strategy - What will Cronin do?

[Shem]

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[Walton1one]

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Now there is a name worth monitoring. I am not sure about the fit, the price would be high I would imagine.

He is a little on the older side (28). He is locked in for (3) more years, big money $43\$46\$50

25' pick\29' pick (best of) + Clingan + Ayton (salary filler) for Sabonis

I don't think that is enough. I think they would want (1) of Deni or Camara or Sharpe, possibly another 1st.

It would be a great story having Sabonis' son in a POR uniform. I don't think he moves the needle enough to make this team a title contender, but it would be a big move.

[Tim Lehrbach]

The only way I pursue Sabonis is (a) if I land Cooper Flagg or Dylan Harper (day one stars, IMO) in the draft and (b) Sacramento lets me keep Scoot and one of Deni/Camara (if it's Flagg) or Deni and Camara (if it's Harper). So it'd have to be some combination of Scoot, Sharpe, Clingan, future picks, and veteran filler. There's a good package in there, but if Sacramento takes it all, the team will still have a fair bit of building to do, so Portland can't be exceedingly generous.

Say the Blazers get Harper and the deal is Ayton, Scoot, and Clingan (picks as appropriate) for Sabonis and Monk... that leaves the Blazers with:

Harper/Monk
Simons/Sharpe/Rupert
Camara/Murray/Thybulle
Avdija/Grant
Sabonis/Williams/Reath

Alternative with drafting Flagg, trading Ayton, Camara, and Clingan (picks as appropriate) for Sabonis

Scoot/Simons
Sharpe/Rupert
Avdija/Murray/Thybulle
Flagg/Grant
Sabonis/Williams/Reath

Honestly, I'm thinking nah. As much as I like those rookies and Sabonis, that's still not good enough. And the Kings probably demand more anyway.

[Sinobas]

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Now there is a name worth monitoring. I am not sure about the fit, the price would be high I would imagine.

He is a little on the older side (28). He is locked in for (3) more years, big money $43\$46\$50

25' pick\29' pick (best of) + Clingan + Ayton (salary filler) for Sabonis

I don't think that is enough. I think they would want (1) of Deni or Camara or Sharpe, possibly another 1st.

It would be a great story having Sabonis' son in a POR uniform. I don't think he moves the needle enough to make this team a title contender, but it would be a big move.

I was just going to post this idea. This would be assuming we don't "win the lottery" and move up into the top 3. (which is not likely).

With a #10 pick we're more likely to end up with another role player than to find a "needle mover". It seems our current roster is too good to suck, and next year we'll probably be at least a .500 team. So I think it's time to trade for a star.

[zzaj]

One thing should be ABUNDANTLY clear by now: the engine of this team when it’s playing well is Deni Avdija.

This team needs secondary play makers (and a coach that can make use if it) and C&S players if it wants to improve.

Deni and Scoot are the only players on the team that warp defenses on drives because each is a threat to score efficiently (in Deni’s case) or pass (Deni less so). If any other player gets past the initial defense no help is needed because you know the shot is going up. In Simons’ case, teams will live with a few of his wrong-footed floaters. In Grant’s case…well he apparently forgot how to score in the NBA.

Spacing is everything in the current NBA, and we could see that in the Boston game—they played a ton of “5-out”, which opens up the floor completely. They have the secondary playmakers and shooters to capitalize on all of that space.

A key is going to be Clingan’s development as a shooter from about 12 feet. If he can hit that shot 50% of the time then that opens up a lot of offensive possibilities. He’s already a decent short roll threat, and has a willing passer in Scoot—however teams have that play scouted now. Clingan should be spending all summer working on his interior scoring against two defenders, his conditioning, and hitting 10-15 footers.

When Chauncey goes away (please G-D make it happen). I’d love to see the primary DHO actions mostly go away. Portland doesn’t have the roster to support that action starting every play. Wasting 10-12 seconds of a shot clock while players exchange the ball past the 3pt line makes no sense with the team as-is…

And of course after, I don’t know…20 years?…of whomever the coach is saying they are going to run more, the Blazers still have the young legs to do so. But neither Stotts or Chauncey are those kind of coaches, and Lillard is a half-court player.

Sorry for the long post…

[Butter]

One thing should be ABUNDANTLY clear by now: the engine of this team when it’s playing well is Deni Avdija.

This team needs secondary play makers (and a coach that can make use if it) and C&S players if it wants to improve.

Deni and Scoot are the only players on the team that warp defenses on drives because each is a threat to score efficiently (in Deni’s case) or pass (Deni less so). If any other player gets past the initial defense no help is needed because you know the shot is going up. In Simons’ case, teams will live with a few of his wrong-footed floaters. In Grant’s case…well he apparently forgot how to score in the NBA.

Spacing is everything in the current NBA, and we could see that in the Boston game—they played a ton of “5-out”, which opens up the floor completely. They have the secondary playmakers and shooters to capitalize on all of that space.

A key is going to be Clingan’s development as a shooter from about 12 feet. If he can hit that shot 50% of the time then that opens up a lot of offensive possibilities. He’s already a decent short roll threat, and has a willing passer in Scoot—however teams have that play scouted now. Clingan should be spending all summer working on his interior scoring against two defenders, his conditioning, and hitting 10-15 footers.

When Chauncey goes away (please G-D make it happen). I’d love to see the primary DHO actions mostly go away. Portland doesn’t have the roster to support that action starting every play. Wasting 10-12 seconds of a shot clock while players exchange the ball past the 3pt line makes no sense with the team as-is…

And of course after, I don’t know…20 years?…of whomever the coach is saying they are going to run more, the Blazers still have the young legs to do so. But neither Stotts or Chauncey are those kind of coaches, and Lillard is a half-court player.

Sorry for the long post…

Good post.

So, what is the ideal type of player to add to this team? I believe they desperately need more perimeter shooting to open the spacing you were talking about.

[zzaj]

One thing should be ABUNDANTLY clear by now: the engine of this team when it’s playing well is Deni Avdija.

This team needs secondary play makers (and a coach that can make use if it) and C&S players if it wants to improve.

Deni and Scoot are the only players on the team that warp defenses on drives because each is a threat to score efficiently (in Deni’s case) or pass (Deni less so). If any other player gets past the initial defense no help is needed because you know the shot is going up. In Simons’ case, teams will live with a few of his wrong-footed floaters. In Grant’s case…well he apparently forgot how to score in the NBA.

Spacing is everything in the current NBA, and we could see that in the Boston game—they played a ton of “5-out”, which opens up the floor completely. They have the secondary playmakers and shooters to capitalize on all of that space.

A key is going to be Clingan’s development as a shooter from about 12 feet. If he can hit that shot 50% of the time then that opens up a lot of offensive possibilities. He’s already a decent short roll threat, and has a willing passer in Scoot—however teams have that play scouted now. Clingan should be spending all summer working on his interior scoring against two defenders, his conditioning, and hitting 10-15 footers.

When Chauncey goes away (please G-D make it happen). I’d love to see the primary DHO actions mostly go away. Portland doesn’t have the roster to support that action starting every play. Wasting 10-12 seconds of a shot clock while players exchange the ball past the 3pt line makes no sense with the team as-is…

And of course after, I don’t know…20 years?…of whomever the coach is saying they are going to run more, the Blazers still have the young legs to do so. But neither Stotts or Chauncey are those kind of coaches, and Lillard is a half-court player.

Sorry for the long post…

Good post.

So, what is the ideal type of player to add to this team? I believe they desperately need more perimeter shooting to open the spacing you were talking about.

His name is Rasheer Fleming!

[zzaj]

One thing should be ABUNDANTLY clear by now: the engine of this team when it’s playing well is Deni Avdija.

This team needs secondary play makers (and a coach that can make use if it) and C&S players if it wants to improve.

Deni and Scoot are the only players on the team that warp defenses on drives because each is a threat to score efficiently (in Deni’s case) or pass (Deni less so). If any other player gets past the initial defense no help is needed because you know the shot is going up. In Simons’ case, teams will live with a few of his wrong-footed floaters. In Grant’s case…well he apparently forgot how to score in the NBA.

Spacing is everything in the current NBA, and we could see that in the Boston game—they played a ton of “5-out”, which opens up the floor completely. They have the secondary playmakers and shooters to capitalize on all of that space.

A key is going to be Clingan’s development as a shooter from about 12 feet. If he can hit that shot 50% of the time then that opens up a lot of offensive possibilities. He’s already a decent short roll threat, and has a willing passer in Scoot—however teams have that play scouted now. Clingan should be spending all summer working on his interior scoring against two defenders, his conditioning, and hitting 10-15 footers.

When Chauncey goes away (please G-D make it happen). I’d love to see the primary DHO actions mostly go away. Portland doesn’t have the roster to support that action starting every play. Wasting 10-12 seconds of a shot clock while players exchange the ball past the 3pt line makes no sense with the team as-is…

And of course after, I don’t know…20 years?…of whomever the coach is saying they are going to run more, the Blazers still have the young legs to do so. But neither Stotts or Chauncey are those kind of coaches, and Lillard is a half-court player.

Sorry for the long post…

Good post.

So, what is the ideal type of player to add to this team? I believe they desperately need more perimeter shooting to open the spacing you were talking about.

His name is Rasheer Fleming!

[Tim Lehrbach]

One thing should be ABUNDANTLY clear by now: the engine of this team when it’s playing well is Deni Avdija.

This team needs secondary play makers (and a coach that can make use if it) and C&S players if it wants to improve.

Deni and Scoot are the only players on the team that warp defenses on drives because each is a threat to score efficiently (in Deni’s case) or pass (Deni less so). If any other player gets past the initial defense no help is needed because you know the shot is going up. In Simons’ case, teams will live with a few of his wrong-footed floaters. In Grant’s case…well he apparently forgot how to score in the NBA.

Spacing is everything in the current NBA, and we could see that in the Boston game—they played a ton of “5-out”, which opens up the floor completely. They have the secondary playmakers and shooters to capitalize on all of that space.

A key is going to be Clingan’s development as a shooter from about 12 feet. If he can hit that shot 50% of the time then that opens up a lot of offensive possibilities. He’s already a decent short roll threat, and has a willing passer in Scoot—however teams have that play scouted now. Clingan should be spending all summer working on his interior scoring against two defenders, his conditioning, and hitting 10-15 footers.

When Chauncey goes away (please G-D make it happen). I’d love to see the primary DHO actions mostly go away. Portland doesn’t have the roster to support that action starting every play. Wasting 10-12 seconds of a shot clock while players exchange the ball past the 3pt line makes no sense with the team as-is…

And of course after, I don’t know…20 years?…of whomever the coach is saying they are going to run more, the Blazers still have the young legs to do so. But neither Stotts or Chauncey are those kind of coaches, and Lillard is a half-court player.

Sorry for the long post…

Good post.

So, what is the ideal type of player to add to this team? I believe they desperately need more perimeter shooting to open the spacing you were talking about.

The answer is still, I'm sorry to say, a primary creator. Both Flagg and Harper have it in them, IMO. But they are likely out of reach. Sabonis, above, is a good mention, but he is likely too expensive to leave a competent roster around him. I don't think the Blazers will enter 2026 with the player they most need.

[Walton1one]

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Still think, if he is traded would go to another team other than POR, however if POR was willing to overpay and we all know Joe is, to get his guy, then I could see POR as a possibility

Sharpe & (3) 1st’s for Booker? Think it would take a little more than that though

More like Simons + Sharpe + filler (Williams or Thybulle+ another player potentially) + (3) 1st’s ;25/29(Best of)/31

I would bet, though that Joe would prefer to keep Simons, however, that is problematic because the only other large salaries that could be dealt would be Ayton, can’t see them sending him back to PHX or Grant, who is a bad contract, which means you would need to include more value, so to make it happen without Simons would likely need a 3rd team

[zzaj]

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Still think, if he is traded would go to another team other than POR, however if POR was willing to overpay and we all know Joe is, to get his guy, then I could see POR as a possibility

Sharpe & (3) 1st’s for Booker? Think it would take a little more than that though

More like Simons + Sharpe + filler (Williams or Thybulle+ another player potentially) + (3) 1st’s ;25/29(Best of)/31

I would bet, though that Joe would prefer to keep Simons, however, that is problematic because the only other large salaries that could be dealt would be Ayton, can’t see them sending him back to PHX or Grant, who is a bad contract, which means you would need to include more value, so to make it happen without Simons would likely need a 3rd team

Nobody is going to pay 4 firsts and a "rising star". Maybe only OKC could do that, and I'm not sure who that rising star would be.

EDIT: Also whomever PHX person posted that must have forgotten about the 3 years at 55M/yr that has to also be involved in the trade in order to match Booker's salary.

[oldfishermen]

25/26 salaries
Ayton $35.5 million
Grant $32 million
Simons $27.7 million

What will Cronin do?

With $95+ million of next seasons cap space tied up in 3 players whose combined trade value is probably negative. He does not have many options this off season.

I have no idea what Cronin will do. Other than fill a couple of open roster slots. But, next seasons results will probably be close to a repeat of this season.

[dckingsfan]

25/26 salaries
Ayton $35.5 million
Grant $32 million
Simons $27.7 million

What will Cronin do?

With $95+ million of next seasons cap space tied up in 3 players whose combined trade value is probably negative. He does not have many options this off season.

I have no idea what Cronin will do. Other than fill a couple of open roster slots. But, next seasons results will probably be close to a repeat of this season.

Oh man. I hope he doesn't resign Simons - full out.

Offer Ayton a reasonable and declining contract and let him walk if his ego gets in the way.

[JasonStern]

The smart move would be to do whatever you can to get Grant's contract off the books, then let Simons/Ayton/Thybulle/Timelord all expire and not be in cap space hell...

But, you have me sold on Sabonis. Any move the Blazers can make that doesn't involve the young core (Deni/Sharpe/Scoot/Camara, I typically include Clingan would be okay moving him if it was for Sabonis) you have to make. That's a team. And Sacramento might be the one team dumb enough to get fleeced by our management.

Now, Ayton+picks for Zion would probably be the most Blazers move ever. And probably end exactly as you expect it to.

[BlazersBroncos]

The smart move would be to do whatever you can to get Grant's contract off the books, then let Simons/Ayton/Thybulle/Timelord all expire and not be in cap space hell...

But, you have me sold on Sabonis. Any move the Blazers can make that doesn't involve the young core (Deni/Sharpe/Scoot/Camara, I typically include Clingan would be okay moving him if it was for Sabonis) you have to make. That's a team. And Sacramento might be the one team dumb enough to get fleeced by our management.

Now, Ayton+picks for Zion would probably be the most Blazers move ever. And probably end exactly as you expect it to.

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.

[DusterBuster]

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Still think, if he is traded would go to another team other than POR, however if POR was willing to overpay and we all know Joe is, to get his guy, then I could see POR as a possibility

Sharpe & (3) 1st’s for Booker? Think it would take a little more than that though

More like Simons + Sharpe + filler (Williams or Thybulle+ another player potentially) + (3) 1st’s ;25/29(Best of)/31

I would bet, though that Joe would prefer to keep Simons, however, that is problematic because the only other large salaries that could be dealt would be Ayton, can’t see them sending him back to PHX or Grant, who is a bad contract, which means you would need to include more value, so to make it happen without Simons would likely need a 3rd team

If he demanded a trade, I could low-key see the Blazers being on his list of teams he'd willing to goto. He has spoken glowingly of what the franchise did for him the night he broke the Suns scoring record. So if it were to happen that he demands out, I wouldn't totally write Portland off as an option... I'm also not sure if that makes a ton of sense for the Blazers tho tbh.

[DusterBuster]

25/26 salaries
Ayton $35.5 million
Grant $32 million
Simons $27.7 million

What will Cronin do?

With $95+ million of next seasons cap space tied up in 3 players whose combined trade value is probably negative. He does not have many options this off season.

I have no idea what Cronin will do. Other than fill a couple of open roster slots. But, next seasons results will probably be close to a repeat of this season.

Stuck with Grant, there's no moving him imo. He's not Brad Beal level bad contract, but he's top 10 probably after this season.

I suspect Cronin will keep Ayton. I think fans want him moved more than the team does. I suspect they keep him and probably let him walk for nothing... mayyybe trade at the deadline for spare parts?

Simons is the one who just cannot be brought back. Scoot needs to be the starter next year from Day 1. I don't care if you only get 2nd round picks for Simons at this point, just get him out so that spot is open.

[BlazersBroncos]

Stuck with Grant, there's no moving him imo. He's not Brad Beal level bad contract, but he's top 10 probably after this season.

Worse than Top-10. Much closer to Top-5.

[Sinobas]

The Blazers are in a prime position to make a big trade.

1. We have 88 million in expiring contracts
2. We have a lottery pick in a good draft, as well as some future draft assets.
3. We could sweeten the pot with a player like Sharpe. I believe Sharpe has a really high trade value due to his age and potential.

I bet we could easily land Sabonis for our 2025 pick, Sharpe, and fillers.

Then we have a lineup of Scoot/Deni/Camara/Sabonis/Clingan.

[JasonStern]

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.