Rumor: Trail Blazers’ Shaedon Sharpe could be targeted in potential trades
With the NBA trade deadline less than a week away, the rumor mill is beginning to heat up as teams around the league weigh their options and examine potential targets.
Kyrie Irving seemingly poured gasoline into the fire on Friday when it was first reported by The Athletic that the All-Star has requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. As a result, the Nets have now emerged as perhaps a key seller ahead of Thursday’s 3 p.m. EST deadline.
Prior to the Irving news, the Toronto Raptors were viewed as a team that could be the most active in the trade market. Sitting at 23-30 and 12th in the Eastern Conference, speculation is swirling that the front office could reset a bit and cash in on some of their top players, such as Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr. or OG Anunoby. Though it remains to be seen what the team could be looking for in return, a promising young player or two would likely be atop its list.
One team to monitor is the Portland Trail Blazers.
According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the Trail Blazers are viewed by teams around the league as buyers ahead of the trade deadline. They are just 8-13 since starting 17-13 and have fallen to 11th in the Western Conference. The team is attempting to add some players to help them win now and further climb into the playoff picture.
Anunoby is viewed as perhaps the top trade target on the market as a versatile forward that can be plugged into virtually any team and perform at a high level. Should the Raptors make him available before Thursday, the Trail Blazers make sense as a team that could have an interest.
Here is what Windhorst said on the “Hoop Collective” podcast:
From all of the folks that I’m talking to in the league, Portland is absolutely in a buy mode. They are attempting to add pieces. I’ve heard them attached to some sort of role-playing bench players they are interested in but if Anunoby became available, I think they would be very interested. You probably start an offer there with Shaedon Sharpe, their lottery pick they got out of Kentucky.
Sharpe, the seventh pick, has emerged as a key player off the bench for the Trail Blazers this season and is thought to have a bright future ahead. He is averaging 7.7 points and 2.4 rebounds on 47.3% shooting from the field in 50 games. The team loved his addition through the draft last year and believes he can continue to produce on a nightly basis.
Of course, it is not known if the team would be open to including him in any potential deal involving Anunoby or another player. Anunoby has two years left on his contract after this season, including a player option for the 2024-25 season, so any team that may acquire him would have him on the roster for at least one year.
The Raptors will hear from plenty of teams if they open for business and will have their fair share of offers to consider. It remains to be seen if the Trail Blazers can meet those demands but it would likely take a player like Sharpe to be in the conversation.
With still plenty of time until Thursday, the trade landscape around the league will certainly be fluid until then. The Raptors and Trail Blazers figure to be two teams to monitor and that could mean a promising young rookie in Sharpe would be on the move.
Related
Report: Jazz rookies Walker Kessler, Ochai Agbaji off limits in trade talks
Trail Blazers' Shaedon Sharpe finalizing plans for Slam Dunk Contest
Damian Lillard praises Shaedon Sharpe: 'The talent is off the charts'
List
NBA All-Star Game 2023: The 8 biggest snubs after reserves unveiling
