Two roads diverged in a wood...

With the trade deadline looming, the Blazers have some timely decisions to make.  Currently in 9th place in the West (the Lakers are 10th, and surging).  3 games behind Houston, there are two paths the Blazers could choose to make:

1.  Make a run for the playoffs.  The talent may not take us far, but a playoff appearance is needed for the franchise.
2.  Lose games.  Our first round draft pick (traded to Charlotte) is top-12 protected, and the team needs a first round pick to help vault the team into a legitimate tier of Western Conference Contenders.

Staying where we are would involve missing the playoffs and losing our pick to the Bobcats.  One could argue that the 2014 draft is stronger, and having a pick in that draft is more important, but the overall strength of the class is exaggerated because of the presence of Andrew Wiggins, who will be the #1 pick in 2014.  A future superstar makes that draft look stronger than the 2013 draft without question.  The 10-14 picks in each draft are often similar though, so picking this year vs. next year isn't as good of an argument to stand pat.

I could be persuaded either way, as the playoffs are appealing, but, if we fall out of contention, I would rather have our pick this year (the pick next year could be around pick 20 if we add the right talent).  In addition, we will have a lot of cap space this summer, which is enough to pursue a near-max level player.

If we decide to make a push for the playoffs, we need to acquire a scoring guard to be our backup point guard.  The team's depth is a major issue, and another guard option, preferably on an expiring contract would be very valuable.  Some players on this list you may have seen in previous posts:

1. Roddy Beaubois
2. Sebastian Telfair
3. Daniel Gibson
4. Will Bynum
5. Randy Foye
6. Eric Maynor

 If the team decides to move on from the playoff hunt, and focus on getting a top 12 draft choice to keep our pick, the team should trade JJ Hickson.  Many contenders could use his services (and it has to be a contender, as he has a no trade clause.  He might not accept a trade at all because of that.)  Teams that could use a versatile post, and good rebounder are:  Indiana, Denver, Oklahoma City.

Any trade would likely add a protected first round draft choice, though would allow the team to add depth through further draft choices.  Hickson may not be retained after this season anyways, so it might make sense to get some value while we can.  (For the record Nikola Pekovic on a 4 year 40 million contract is appealing).

3 deals that could work?

Portland: Daniel Gibson, Rd. 1 pick (IND- Top 20 protected)
Indiana: JJ Hickson
Cleveland: Tyler Hansbrough

Why? Portland adds for the future, and gets a shooter off the bench who's bird rights we would acquire if we like him.  Hickson upgrades the 4 slot over David West, and gives Indiana added rebounding West has lacked.  Cleveland could use another big with Varejao out, and Hansbrough could be a nice option who could be resigned.

Portland: Timofey Mozgov, Rd. 1 pick (DEN- Top 20 protected)
Denver: JJ Hickson

Why?  Hickson upgrades Denver's front line heading into the playoffs, and adds to an already deep team.  Portland gets an average center who could be a good backup to Leonard for the rest of the season, and add a late rd. 1 pick to add depth.

Portland: Eric Maynor, Perry Jones, Rd. 1 pick (OKC- Top 20 protected)
Oklahoma City: JJ Hickson, future rd. 2 pick

Why?  This is a prime year for OKC to win it all.  A late pick won't help much, as they would already have a lottery pick from Toronto (via the Harden deal).  Hickson is an upgrade as a 3rd big man over Collison and Thabeet.  He could push OKC over the top.  Portland gets young pieces in Maynor and Jones, plus the late pick to build for the future.  Perry Jones would get the playing time he needs in Portland off the bench.

Which path should we take?
My heart says go for the playoffs, but my head says trade Hickson and keep our pick this year.  With the trade deadline coming up, Portland fans everywhere (including our front office) need to decide which direction helps the franchise the most.

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