The Portland Trail Blazers don't appear to be a likely destination for Phoenix Suns restricted free agent Deandre Ayton, according to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer. The Blazers reportedly intend to retain Jusuf Nurkic in free agency and keep him as the starting center.
Instead of going after Ayton, Fischer says Portland is prioritizing a push for Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby using the No. 7 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. There have been rumblings about Anunoby's alleged dissatisfaction with his role with the Raptors amid Scottie Barnes' rise, though Barnes has pushed back hard on this. Toronto would like to keep Anunoby, but perhaps the Blazers come with a Godfather offer that can't be refused.
In addition to the desire for Anunoby, Fischer also reports on a potential trade involving the No. 7 pick going to the Oklahoma City Thunder for No. 12 and a package that includes Lu Dort. It was recently reported that the Thunder are trying to trade up and get another top-10 pick to go along with No. 3.
Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant is another player who has constantly been linked to Portland, though he's not mentioned in this report. Even so, it's clear the Blazers are seeking a versatile wing who can help shore up the massive defensive issues that have plagued the franchise in recent years. Portland knows a lot of work must be done to improve this team around Damian Lillard, and there's a crucial opportunity in place with this No. 7 pick to potentially get a proven player.
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