Alright, here's an idea to get the blazers into contention:

Nets receive:

3 overall pick

Thybulle (or similar sign-and-trade contract) Reddish (or similar sign-and-trade contract) Keon Johnson (accept Team Option) Drew Eubanks 2024 2nd round pick 2024 2nd round pick

Blazers recieve: Dorian Finney-Smith Cameron Johnson (sign-and-trade 4 yrs 98 mil) Cam Thomas

22 overall pick (via Nets)

Daishen Nex (via Rockets)

Rockets receive: Jusef Nurkic Top-10 Protected 2029 Blazers 1st-round pick 2025 2nd round pick 2025 2nd round pick

Nets pair Scoot with Bridges and emerging defensive-star Claxton. Scoot shines under bright ligts, Bridges is a perfect off-ball compliment. Nets say yes because they turn Kyrie into Scoot and keep Bridges and their boatload of 1st round picks.

Blazers get a trove of support for Dame. DFS can guard anybody in the West, and Cam is an efficient shooter who can create for himself when needed. Cam Thomas is a firecracker to bring off the bench. They retain Grant on a favorable contract for the next 4-years as well. The team ends up short at center, so go grab Derek Lively III, whose mature defensive game will translate immediately (with a blossoming 3-point game as well). They'll have to move from Nurkic to make the money, and the Rockets have cap room.

The Rockets could use Nurkic's veteran presence in the locker room and a mentor for AS. It fits their timeline for surrounding Harden with some ready-to-go talent. Its a low-cost addition, and he'll round a roster primed to sign another star in FA. The Blazers will send picks to entice the Rockets to take his contract, some 2nd rounders and a lottery- protected 2029 pick.

Who says no?