If a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade is truly on the horizon-and the signs are pointing that way-the Portland Trail Blazers could find themselves in a position to make a serious move of their own. Not for Giannis himself, but as a strategic third team in what could be a league-shifting blockbuster.
Let’s start with the Minnesota Timberwolves. They’ve made their intentions clear.
By moving Mike Conley and passing on Coby White, they’re clearing both cap space and positional overlap-moves that only make sense if they’re setting the table for something big. And when you’re talking big, you’re talking Giannis.
Now, Portland might not be in the running for the Greek Freak, but that doesn’t mean they can’t walk away with a major piece. In fact, they might be in the perfect spot to snag one.
Enter: Jaden McDaniels.
Minnesota reportedly needs a third team to help facilitate a deal, and Portland fits the bill. Why?
Because they hold a trio of Milwaukee’s first-round picks-assets that would be incredibly appealing to the Bucks if they decide to pivot toward a rebuild. If Milwaukee is moving on from their franchise cornerstone, reclaiming those picks would be a logical first step.
And if Portland’s holding the keys, they hold leverage.
That leverage could turn into Jaden McDaniels, one of the most underrated two-way wings in the game right now.
McDaniels has quietly blossomed into a force on both ends of the court. He’s putting up 15.2 points per game on elite efficiency-shooting 51.9% from the field and a scorching 45.6% from beyond the arc.
He’s not just a spot-up guy, either. His off-the-dribble game has taken strides, especially when Minnesota’s star guard Anthony Edwards is sidelined.
When McDaniels has to step up, he does.
Defensively, he’s already proven himself. He’s got an All-Defensive nod under his belt and regularly takes on the toughest perimeter assignments. At 25 years old, he’s not just a short-term boost-he’s a long-term building block.
For Portland, this is the kind of move that could accelerate their climb in the Western Conference. Pairing McDaniels with Deni Avdija gives them two versatile, switchable wings who can shoot, defend, and grow together. That’s a foundation any front office would love to build around.
Yes, the Bucks’ picks are valuable. No question.
Portland would be wise to guard them closely. But if Jaden McDaniels is the return?
That’s a conversation worth having. He’s younger and cheaper than someone like Mikal Bridges-another name Portland has been linked to-and you could argue he brings a similar, if not better, overall impact.
In short, Portland doesn’t need to land Giannis to come out of this saga as a winner. If they play their cards right, they could walk away with a rising star, help shape the next superteam in Minnesota, and still hold onto enough draft capital to keep building for the future.
Sometimes, being the third wheel in a blockbuster deal is exactly where you want to be.