Some say that it’s best to keep your plans secret. Sometimes, NBA teams need to make the same calculations.

Surely, you don’t want to advertise them all the time. Someone may try to spoil them. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is move in silence. 

Of course, some teams have an obvious plan. A fully formed contender is only planning to win as many games as possible. 

By contrast, a team like the Portland Trail Blazers could go several ways.

Nobody’s sure what they’re planning. They’ve got the assets to rebuild, or to trade for a star. 

Here’s a deal that has them going the latter route by acquiring James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers. 

Toronto Raptors Receive: G Anfernee Simons, C Jusuf Nurkic, G/F Shaedon Sharpe, 2025 First-Round Pick (POR), 2026 First-Round Pick (Swap – POR) 

Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam 

Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G James Harden