The Portland Trail Blazers find themselves right in the thick of things midway through the season, sitting at an even 23-23. That .500 record puts them squarely in the hunt for a play-in spot - and with the right moves, potentially more. This is a team that’s flashed potential in stretches, and while they’re not quite ready to crash the Western Conference elite just yet, there’s a foundation in place that could become something real in the seasons ahead.
And with the trade market heating up, Portland is a team to keep an eye on - not necessarily as a headline buyer or seller, but as a possible swing piece in a larger deal. One scenario being floated involves a potential multi-team blockbuster centered around Giannis Antetokounmpo. No, the Blazers aren’t expected to land the two-time MVP, but their name is surfacing in connection with a different high-impact player: Mikal Bridges.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Blazers have had their eye on Bridges for some time. The 3-and-D wing, currently with the Knicks, could become available if New York goes all-in for Giannis. In that case, a three-team deal involving the Knicks, Bucks, and Blazers could be on the table - with Portland stepping in as a facilitator and potentially landing Bridges as part of the fallout.
It’s not hard to see the fit. Bridges is the kind of versatile, high-IQ wing who could thrive alongside Portland’s young core. Pairing him with someone like Deni Avdija would give the Blazers a more dynamic, switchable perimeter presence - the kind of defensive backbone that could help this team take the next step.
Of course, there’s still a lot of uncertainty. For one, it’s unclear just how much the Knicks would have to give up to land Giannis - and if Bridges is part of that outgoing package, he likely wouldn’t be the only big name heading out the door.
New York gave up a significant haul, including multiple first-round picks, to pry Bridges away from the Nets. So if Portland wants in, they’ll need to bring something substantial to the table.
That said, the Blazers are well-positioned to be a connector in these kinds of deals. They’ve got depth, they’ve got flexibility, and they’ve got motivation to take a step forward - not just this season, but in building toward a more competitive future. Whether it’s Bridges or another piece, don’t be surprised if Portland finds itself in the middle of a headline-grabbing trade before the deadline hits.