Trail Blazers Interested In Giannis, Anthony Davis

Although Dundon has reportedly ruffled some feathers around the league, particularly in regards to the team’s coaching search, he has developed a reputation as owner of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes as being willing to spend on players. Dundon also suggested at his introductory press conference that he would be “more aggressive than most” in pursuit of star talent.

Dundon said at the time that general manager Joe Cronin considered making a “big splash” trade ahead of the deadline. Cronin said a couple days ago that the team was intrigued by the possibility of making a major move, but “only at the right price point.”

With all that in mind, multiple league sources tell Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link) that the Trail Blazers are “expected to emerge as a prime trade suitor” this summer for Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP who was limited to just 36 games played this season due to injuries.

Fischer and his colleague Marc Stein reported in late January that the Blazers were among the teams interested in the Greek star. While the feeling at the time was that Portland may have been more motivated to help facilitate a multi-team Giannis trade, Fischer heard this week that the Blazers are just as motivated as other potential Antetokounmpo suitors to acquire him outright.

Despite the team’s interest, Portland may not be high on Antetokounmpo’s list of desired destinations if he pushes for a trade this summer, Fischer writes, so selling him on a long-term future with the team could be difficult.

According to Fischer’s sources, a potential trade offer for Giannis would be built around the contract of Jerami Grant, who’s owed about $70.6MM over the next two seasons. Additional salaries would have to be added to make the deal legal, Fischer notes.

If the Blazers are unable to acquire Antetokounmpo, Wizards big man Anthony Davis is considered a fallback option, sources close to the situation tell Fischer.

Portland talked to Dallas during the season about a possible Davis deal centered around Grant and unspecified draft capital, per Fischer but the Mavs were more interested in clearing their books, which is why they preferred — and ultimately accepted — Washington’s package.

Davis raised doubts at his first media availability as a Wizard last month about the Washington’s ability to quickly go from the worst team in the league to a contender. NBA insider Chris Haynes recently said on SiriusXM NBA Radio that he wouldn’t be shocked if Davis is traded again this offseason before he ever plays in D.C. (Twitter video link).

“I do think there’s a good chance that he may end up somewhere else by the time next season starts,” Haynes said.

Antetokounmpo, 31, and Davis, 32, could be free agents in 2027. Both players will be extension-eligible before next season begins and hold player options for ’27/28.