With the Feb. 5 trade deadline looming, the Portland Trail Blazers are keeping a close eye on league movement-and one name hovering over everything is Giannis Antetokounmpo. While the odds of Portland landing the two-time MVP are slim, the Blazers are reportedly exploring ways to wedge themselves into a potential multi-team blockbuster that could involve the Bucks, Warriors, and Giannis’ next destination.
Now, let’s be clear: Portland isn’t chasing Giannis. But they might be able to snag a valuable piece if they play their cards right.
One such piece? Moses Moody.
Why Moses Moody Makes Sense for Portland
Golden State has reportedly opened the door to going all-in for Giannis, and that means putting just about everything on the table-first-round picks, a veteran like Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler, and young talent like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Brandon Podziemski. While Milwaukee has shown interest in Kuminga in the past, Portland should be circling Moody.
At 23 years old, Moody brings exactly what the Blazers are missing: reliable perimeter shooting and a high-IQ, low-maintenance game that fits snugly next to a young, developing core. He’s averaging 11.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, but the real standout number is his 40.2% clip from beyond the arc on nearly six attempts per night-a career high.
That kind of spacing is gold for a team like Portland, which has struggled mightily from deep. The Blazers are currently tied for last in the league in three-point efficiency at just 33.7%.
And yet, they’re hoisting up 41.6 threes per game-third-most in the NBA. That’s a brutal combination: high volume, low efficiency.
It’s not sustainable, and it’s certainly not helping their young guards or bigs find room to operate.
Moody doesn’t just help fix the math problem. He fits the timeline.
He’s under contract for three more seasons, giving Portland a chance to develop him alongside the likes of Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Deni Avdija. And while Sharpe and Avdija have shown flashes this season, they’ve been doing it with little to no help spacing the floor.
Adding a shooter like Moody could open up the offense in ways that benefit everyone.
What Would It Take to Get Him?
Here’s where things get tricky. If Moody becomes part of a Giannis deal, Portland would likely need to give something up to get involved.
The Bucks are looking to recoup draft capital, and Portland does hold some of Milwaukee’s future first-round picks-specifically in 2028 and 2030. Giving one of those back might be the price of admission.
That’s a tough pill to swallow. Those picks could be extremely valuable, especially if Giannis ends up leaving Milwaukee and the Bucks tumble down the standings in the next few years.
Ideally, the Blazers would find a way to acquire Moody without touching those assets. But if the opportunity arises to land a 23-year-old shooter with upside, under team control, and tailor-made to fix a glaring roster flaw?
It’s worth at least picking up the phone.
Bottom Line
Portland isn’t in the Giannis sweepstakes, but they might be able to benefit from the fallout. If the Warriors go all-in and Moody becomes available, the Blazers should be aggressive.
He’s not a star, but he’s the kind of role player who makes life easier for everyone else. And right now, that’s exactly what Portland needs.