The Portland Trail Blazers might be on the verge of pulling off another savvy front office move - one that could quietly reshape their rebuild and further solidify their future on the wing. After landing Deni Avdija in the summer of 2024 - a move that’s already paying dividends - the Blazers are reportedly keeping a close eye on a potential opportunity to acquire Mikal Bridges. And it all hinges on a domino effect that starts with a blockbuster: Giannis Antetokounmpo to the New York Knicks.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Portland has been monitoring the situation closely, with the idea that if Milwaukee and New York ever get serious about a Giannis deal, the Blazers could swoop in as a third team to land a piece they’ve coveted for some time: Bridges.
Here’s the thinking. If the Knicks go all-in for Giannis - and let’s be honest, that’s the kind of move that would require clearing the decks - someone like Bridges might have to be moved to make the math and the roster fit.
That’s where Portland comes in. League sources suggest the Blazers have long admired Bridges, even dating back to Damian Lillard’s original stint in Rip City.
And if the Knicks need a third team to facilitate the deal, the Blazers are more than ready to raise their hand.
Let’s talk about what Mikal Bridges would bring to Portland. No, he didn’t quite hit the superstar ceiling some projected for him after his breakout in Brooklyn.
But that doesn’t mean he isn’t a high-level contributor. Bridges is a true two-way wing - a rare commodity in today’s NBA - and he’s as reliable as they come.
He’s never missed a game in his career. That’s not hyperbole.
The man suits up every night. In a league where load management and injury reports dominate headlines, that kind of availability is gold.
Financially, Bridges is locked into a four-year, $150 million extension that kicks in next season - a number that’s more than reasonable for a player of his caliber. He defends at a high level, can knock down shots, and doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact. His fit in Portland might require some rotation tweaks - maybe pushing Toumani Camara into a sixth man role - but that’s a good problem to have when you’re adding a player of Bridges’ quality.
Now, let’s talk mechanics. Being the third team in a blockbuster deal is often the sneaky-smart way to grab talent at a discount.
Just look at what Cleveland did in the James Harden trade, landing Jarrett Allen for a couple of second-round picks because the Nets needed to balance the books. If a Giannis-to-New-York deal goes down, and Bridges becomes expendable in the shuffle, Portland could find themselves in a similar position - giving up a protected first-round pick and a young player to land a proven wing.
That’s not a small price, but it’s a manageable one. And if the Knicks are chasing a generational superstar like Giannis, they might be willing to part with Bridges for less than his standalone market value, just to get the deal across the finish line.
Of course, this move also aligns with another potential shift in Portland’s roster: the future of Jerami Grant. There’s been consistent league-wide interest in the veteran forward, and while nothing is imminent, the idea of moving Grant - either by the February 5th trade deadline or in the offseason - is gaining traction. If that happens, Bridges would be a natural successor in the lineup, giving the Blazers a younger, more versatile wing to build around.
So while this is all contingent on a lot of moving parts - namely, the Knicks making the leap for Giannis - it’s clear that Portland is positioning itself to be ready if the opportunity arises. And it’s the kind of forward-thinking move that could accelerate their rebuild without sacrificing core assets.
Imagine a future where Damian Lillard returns to Moda Center, flanked by Deni Avdija and Mikal Bridges on the wings. That’s not just a feel-good reunion - that’s a lineup with real two-way potential.
The Blazers are playing the long game here, but if the right trade opens up, they’re ready to strike. And if they do, it could mark another turning point in what’s quietly becoming one of the more intriguing rebuilds in the league.