The Portland Trail Blazers might be gearing up to make some real noise ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline - and they could have their eyes on a familiar name: Mikal Bridges. According to league chatter, Portland is being labeled as a team to watch, not just as a bystander, but as a potential buyer looking to make moves that could reshape their trajectory in the Western Conference.
Here’s where things get interesting: the Blazers are reportedly positioning themselves as a possible third-party facilitator in a hypothetical blockbuster involving the New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks - specifically, a deal centered around none other than Giannis Antetokounmpo. Now, before we go too far down that rabbit hole, let’s be clear: there’s no indication that Giannis is eyeing Portland as a destination, nor are the Blazers expected to be in the running for the two-time MVP directly. But Portland’s leverage lies in something just as valuable - draft capital.
Thanks to the Jrue Holiday-for-Damian Lillard trade, the Blazers hold Milwaukee’s first-round picks in 2028, 2029, and 2030. That’s a serious stash of future assets. And in today’s NBA, where draft picks are currency, Portland has the kind of war chest that can make them a key player in any multi-team trade scenario.
Here’s the hypothetical: if the Knicks ever get serious about chasing Giannis, Portland could insert itself into those talks, leveraging its control of Milwaukee’s future picks to either help facilitate the deal - or better yet, improve its own roster in the process. And one name that keeps surfacing in those conversations? Mikal Bridges.
League sources say the Blazers have been high on Bridges for a while now, dating back to Damian Lillard’s first stint in Rip City. That admiration hasn’t faded, and with Bridges now in his second season in New York, the timing might finally line up.
Bridges is quietly having a strong campaign with the Knicks. He’s averaging 16 points, 4.5 boards, and 4 assists in 35 minutes a night, shooting an efficient 50% from the field and a sharp 40% from deep.
He’s the kind of two-way wing every team covets - versatile, dependable, and capable of impacting the game on both ends. And he’s locked in through 2030 on a deal that escalates from $33.5 million to $41.5 million annually, with a player option at the end.
That’s a big number, but for a player in his prime with his skill set, it’s the price of doing business in today’s NBA.
For Portland, adding a player like Bridges would be more than just a talent upgrade - it would signal a shift in direction. The Blazers have been in a rebuilding phase since moving on from Lillard, but being labeled as "buyers" this trade season suggests they’re ready to accelerate the timeline. They’re not just collecting assets anymore; they’re looking for opportunities to turn those assets into real contributors.
Bridges fits that mold. He brings playoff experience, defensive versatility, and a steady offensive presence. Plug him into Portland’s young core - which includes Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons - and you’ve got a group that suddenly starts to make a lot more sense on both ends of the floor.
Of course, whether a deal actually materializes is anyone’s guess. Trade season is always full of smoke, mirrors, and backchannel negotiations. But Portland’s positioning - armed with Milwaukee’s future picks and an eye on Bridges - makes them a team to monitor closely as the deadline approaches.
And while we’re talking Blazers and big moves, here’s a chance to make a small one that matters: the team is running a program to help send kids in need to see the Blazers play the Charlotte Hornets in March. Donate a ticket through the team’s official site, and you might just give a young fan a memory they’ll never forget - maybe even a chance to see a new-look Blazers squad with Bridges in the mix.