Blazers to try to make run at Giannis Antetokounmpo?

The Trail Blazers are at least positioning themselves to think big.

According to Bill Oram of The Oregonian, Portland is “prepared to make a pitch” for Giannis Antetokounmpo if the two-time MVP becomes available on the trade market this offseason.

That comes with a major caveat. Any pursuit would hinge on Antetokounmpo’s willingness to sign an extension with his new team, something that would likely dictate the entire market.

In other words, it’s not just about acquiring him. It’s about keeping him.

There’s some internal logic here. Portland already has Damian Lillard back in the mix on a team-friendly deal, and the idea of reuniting him with Antetokounmpo would give the franchise a clear direction.

It would also signal a shift toward urgency from ownership. Whether it’s realistic is another matter.

Antetokounmpo has been consistent about his priorities. He wants to win.

That raises questions about Portland as a destination, especially in a Western Conference that runs through teams like the Thunder and Spurs, both built around young stars in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama.

There’s also the cost of doing business. Any deal for Antetokounmpo would require significant assets going back, potentially undercutting the very roster Portland would be trying to build around him.

Then there’s the broader perception.

New team owner Tom Dundon has developed a reputation for spending on players while being more conservative elsewhere. Whether fair or not, those details tend to matter when stars weigh their options, especially ones with leverage.

That’s part of what makes this complicated.

From a distance, the idea of Portland entering the mix makes sense. Teams do their homework. They explore every path.

At the same time, there’s a sense this could be as much about positioning as anything else. Signaling ambition. Keeping options open. Letting it be known they’ll be involved if the door cracks.

As for the present, Portland remains tied 1-1 with the Spurs heading into Game 3, with Wembanyama’s status still uncertain due to concussion protocol.

The future may be part of the conversation. The reality is still playing out.