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Trail Blazers & Bulls Potential Trade Partners?

By Steven Dewald

Nov 24, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Referee Karl Lane (77) separates Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24) and Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Referee Karl Lane (77) separates Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24) and Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Trail Blazers Rumors: Could Portland and Chicago pair as trade partners before the deadline?

With the NBA Trade Deadline approaching it is rumored that Chicago could become very active on the market. Recent rumors are suggesting that they are exploring a trade that could involve a member(s) of their veteran front court. It is also rumored that they are seeking a talented wing player in return. Wing depth just happens to be something that the Trail Blazers have an abundance of. Could Portland be a potential landing spot for one of the Chicago’s polished big men (Joakim Noah, Pau Gasol, Taj Gibson)?

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The Trail Blazers are well below the cap and could easily take on a bigger salary before the end of the season. It actually might be advantageous for Portland to add salary, as they are still well below the cap floor (great article on BlazersEdge.com today). Adding a starting caliber big man should be near the top of Neil Olshey’s list (that is if they do go all-in on making the playoffs this year). The biggest question is if the Trail Blazers front office is ready to part ways with a young asset for a high priced veteran? Maurice Harkless, Allen Crabbe, and Gerald Henderson are all fighting for minutes on the Portland bench. All three would provide the Bulls with depth (or a starter) at a position of need.

Jan 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) works against Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) during the second half at United Center. The Bulls won 101-92. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) works against Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) during the second half at United Center. The Bulls won 101-92. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago has a muddled front court rotation to say the least. Rookie Bobby Portis has performed well in limited action this season, but with three (four counting Nikola Mirotic) veterans in front of him, playing time has been scarce. Accelerating Portis’ development and adding a talented wing will be crucial for Chicago as they switch gears to building a team around Jimmy Butler.

Related Story: Greg Monroe On the Trade Market

Crabbe has had a break out year for the Trail Blazers, and it could be time for Portland to capitalize on his improvements. If Olshey could sell Chicago on the former Cal wing it would likely bring back a veteran and a draft pick. Chicago owns their own draft choice and a top ten protected pick from the Kings, so it is possible they might part ways with one of them. Adding another first round choice and a veteran power forward could be the final push for the Trail Blazers to commit to a playoff run.

Gibson would give Portland another hard nosed big man to join current center Mason Plumlee. Gibson has added consistent range to his offense this season (shooting .455 on two point FG’s beyond 10′), which could provide the starting unit some much needed spacing. The former USC man is under contract through next season on a manageable contract (under 9 million a year).

Would a draft pick and a veteran be enough for Portland to part ways with one of their developing players? Only weeks remain until the deadline, so we will find out soon.