Blazers Trade Rumors: Arron Afflalo is not the missing piece

Please, Neil Olshey, do not trade for Arron Afflalo

I’m sure you’ve heard the news; the Portland Trail Blazers have “inquired” about Arron Afflalo and Wilson Chandler of the Denver Nuggets.

Afflalo and Chandler are reportedly available, and several teams, including the Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Clippers, and Miami Heat have shown interest in acquiring Chandler or Afflalo, or possibly both.

More from Blazers News

Of the two, Afflalo makes the most sense for the Blazers because he’s a much better two-way player than Chandler. Chandler might be able to better compensate for Nicolas Batum‘s struggles and injury issues, but Afflalo would be a much better fit, considering he can play shooting guard and small forward. Chandler, on the other hand, is more of a small forward, who can also play a little stretch-four.

Back with the Nuggets after two seasons with the Orlando Magic, Afflalo is averaging 14.5 points, 1.9 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. He would be an upgrade to the Blazers’ second unit, which could use another scoring punch. However; the Blazers’ second unit has been playing much better since Robin Lopez returned.

Jan 31, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) shoots during the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

In the last three games, the Blazers bench is averaging 27.3 points per game. Who knows if that is sustainable throughout the rest of the season and through the playoffs?

Right now, it’s not a safe bet, but it’s the bet the Blazers should be willing to make.

I understand how the Blazers want to improve their team and bolster the chances for a playoff run, but I hate the fact they are considering a trade, especially for Afflalo.

On paper, it makes sense. Afflalo was fantastic last season for the Orlando Magic, and he averaged 18.2 PPG on 42 percent shooting from 3-point range. The Blazers need bench scoring to take some of the scoring pressure off their starters, but Afflalo is not that guy.

What’s the cost to get Afflalo anyway?

Denver has asked for a first-round pick, but that seems like a steep price considering Afflalo’s talent level and the uncertainty of his future.

Portland would not and should not give up a future first-rounder for Afflalo, who has a player option at the end of the season that could create some problems with Portland’s cap situation if he decided to pick up that option. That’s another part of this puzzle.

As much as I realize the Blazers need a little more help to make it to the top of the West, I don’t think making a panic trade at the deadline is the answer. Trade deadline additions can sink a team just as fast as they can elevate its chances to win a title.

From the outside, the Blazers have one of the best chemistry situations in the league. It genuinely seems that each of the Blazers enjoy playing with each other. Throwing a player who hasn’t played a game that mattered since 2011-12 into the mix will not make the difference between the Blazers winning a title and not winning a title.

Plus, can the Blazers really do more to bury their young guys back on the bench? I mean, Will Barton, Thomas Robinson, and Allen Crabbe hardly play as it is. With the addition of Afflalo, C.J. McCollum would definitely see his minutes reduced, which would be awful for his development. McCollum is actually playing really well, too.

Sure, the title window is only open for a period of time, but the Blazers need to ride with the guys that got them to this point. Even if they don’t make the NBA Finals this season, the future is still bright for Portland. A trade that is not fool proof could jeopardize the Trail Blazers’ future.

Next: Trail Blazers rout Lakers, 102-86