As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Portland Trail Blazers find themselves at a crossroads. General Manager Joe Cronin recently shared insights into the team’s strategy, emphasizing patience and a calculated approach to potential trades.
“We’re approaching this trade deadline as we do all trade circumstances,” Cronin told Blazers play-by-play announcer Kevin Calabro in a pre-game interview that air prior to Monday’s game against the 76ers. “If it makes sense for us, we’ll look at it. If it doesn’t, we’re not going to do something that doesn’t make sense.”
This stance aligns with Cronin’s track record since taking the helm. He’s moved slowly (methodically, if you want to be kind). And he has consistently prioritized players over picks in most deals, even sending out first-round picks for Deni Avdija last summer. The focus has been on acquiring players under contract for multiple seasons, rather than expiring deals. With players under contract he has time to survey and decide through multiple trade cycles.
However, this patient approach may be a double-edged sword. While it allows for careful consideration of trades, it could also mean missing out on valuable opportunities to reshape the roster and accelerate the rebuild.
The Blazers’ current position is somewhat precarious. They’re not good enough to compete for a playoff spot, yet not bad enough currently to be in contention for the top lottery picks.
Recent trade activity around the league suggests that the market for veteran players might not be as robust as hoped. The Brooklyn Nets’ recent trades of Dennis Schröder and Dorian Finney-Smith, both completed without first-round picks in return, could be indicative of the current trade climate.
One of the Blazers’ most intriguing trade assets is center Robert Williams III. According to a report from Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Williams is highly coveted on the trade market, but Portland isn’t eager to part ways with him just yet. This reluctance to move valuable pieces could be a missed opportunity to acquire assets that align better with the team’s long-term vision.
As we approach the February 6 trade deadline, it remains to be seen whether Cronin’s patient approach will pay off or if the Blazers will make a more aggressive move to reshape their roster. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the direction of the franchise.
