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Blazers Trade Watch: Four Days Before Deadline

By Spencer Gordon

Jan 13, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts talks with Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard C.J. McCollum (3) during a break in the action against the Orlando Magic at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts talks with Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard C.J. McCollum (3) during a break in the action against the Orlando Magic at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the NBA Trade Deadline Rapidly Approaching, What’s the Latest with the Blazers?

Rip City is on egg shells with what Neil Olshey is going to do with this team. The Blazers have some rich contracts they could unload before they prepare for the financial headache this offseason. They also have three first round draft picks to offer in order to close out any suitors on the fence.

Here is a roundup of the latest rumors and news as we approach the deadline.

Jan 16, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) scores past Portland Trail Blazers center Ed Davis (17) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) scores past Portland Trail Blazers center Ed Davis (17) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Blazers were Close to Acquiring Okafor

According to David Aldridge, the Philadelphia 76ers took Jahlil Okafor out of their lineup because Portland was team closest to a deal. The details about the trade are unknown, however Aldridge explained that it fell through due to the Jusuf Nurkic opportunity. Not only did Portland see him as a better fit, but it gave Portland another first round draft pick.

Okafor could have worked in Portland, but after seeing Nurkic play against Utah, Rip City must be happy with the outcome. Not only did it nab an additional first round pick, but the Bosnian Beast is a center Portland desperately needed. Okafor has the fundamentals and could’ve thrived. However, Nurkic just wins the size battle. His 280 pound frame is something that Blazer fans are going nuts about.

Must Read: Nurkic Shines in Debut

NBA: Atlanta Hawks at Portland Trail Blazers
NBA: Atlanta Hawks at Portland Trail Blazers /

Rumors Swirl Around Millsap

Again, Aldridge has another Blazers rumor to swirl. According to Blazer Gang, he spoke on NBA TV exclaiming that Atlanta’s Paul Millsap may be on the table for Portland. The price is essentially the Blazers’ draft picks and a player to even out the salary aspect of the trade.

The two contracts most similar to Millsap would be Allen Crabbe and Evan Turner. No matter who the Blazers throw into the deal to make the trade happen, at least two, if not all three draft picks would have to go to Atlanta in order for the deal to close

The draft picks must be enticing for Atlanta, but the talent comparison of Turner/Crabbe vs. Millsap isn’t even close. However, with the recent blockbuster trade involving Demarcus Cousins and New Orleans, anything is possible in today’s NBA. With Millsap locked into one more year of his deal, he could fall in love with Rip City and suddenly Portland has their big three.

Stay tuned to Rip City Project for new rumors as we approach the deadline.

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