NBA Trade Rumors: Stars the Portland Trail Blazers could target if they want to make a big splash via trade at the 2023 NBA Draft.
During the NBA Draft Lottery, the Portland Trail Blazers moved up two spots and will now be selecting No. 3 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. Even though they didn’t land the No. 1 overall pick and Victor Wembanyama, having a top 3 pick in this year’s NBA Draft is a good asset to have heading into the summer.
The big question for the Blazers heading into the NBA Draft revolves around how they will choose to end up cashing it in. Will they make a selection, trade the pick, or try to move down to allocate more draft capital? At least initially, the belief is that the Blazers may try to trade the pick in an attempt to surround Damian Lillard with a championship-contending supporting cast.
Theoretically, the Blazers would be able to trade the No. 3 pick for a star that would help elevate the team to contender status in the Western Conference next season. But that could be easier said than done.
Should the Portland Trail Blazers trade the No. 3 overall pick?
The Blazers have a golden opportunity with the No. 3 pick. If they wanted to start a rebuild, this is exactly the position you’d want to be in. Throughout the history of the Blazers, they’ve only had a top 3 pick in the NBA Draft six times, and just once since 1985.
Do the Blazers really want to trade this asset for something that may or may not work out with Dame? I understand the thinking, but the decision to move the No. 3 overall pick, in this year’s draft, could have huge implications for the team’s future.
Nevertheless, that’s something the team will have to figure out over the next few weeks. If they do end up trading the pick, we explore four superstars that would be worth the premium asset.