Rip City Project
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Trail Blazers: Pre Trade Deadline Needs

By Steven Dewald

Jan 13, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24) passes the ball as he drives to the basket on Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) and forward Trevor Booker (33) during the third quarter of the NBA game at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Blazers won 99-85. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24) passes the ball as he drives to the basket on Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) and forward Trevor Booker (33) during the third quarter of the NBA game at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Blazers won 99-85. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Mo Williams (52) drives past New Orleans Pelicans guard Norris Cole (30) during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Mo Williams (52) drives past New Orleans Pelicans guard Norris Cole (30) during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Mo Williams

The return of Kyrie Irving has put an end to Williams consistent playing time. It has resulted in rumors coming out of Cleveland about the veteran guard’s unhappiness. Before being buried on the bench, Williams was averaging 10.9 PPG and 3.4 APG. Those numbers would be a solid addition to Portland’s thin point guard rotation.

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Williams has a solid relationship with Portland’s Damian Lillard, so a return to Rip City might be what the doctor ordered. The veteran point guard is on a cap friendly contract (just over 2 million a year) with a player option kicking in this offseason. Williams would have to accept a smaller role in Portland this go around, but it would still be bigger than his current one with the Cav’s.

Brandon Jennings

Jennings continues to work back into playing form from his achilles injury. He is averaging 7.4 PPG and 3.5 APG in a reduced role. The biggest drop off might be in his .316 3P%, down from .360 last season. Even with those numbers he would be an improvement to the point guard rotation.

It is unclear what the Pistons will ask for in return for Jennings, as they are gearing up for a playoff run themselves. It would be a major risk for the Trail Blazers to give up any major asset for Jennings. There is no guarantee that he would return to Portland after his contract expires this offseason.

Nov 7, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Tyler Ennis (11) takes a shot against Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) in the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Tyler Ennis (11) takes a shot against Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) in the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Tyler Ennis

Ennis is currently buried on a guard heavy Milwaukee squad. He is only 21 years old, thus presenting an interesting option for the Trail Blazers going forward. His only averaging 9.7 mpg for the Bucks, so it is reasonable to think he could be an afterthought.

If available, he could reunite with his national team coach Jay Triano (Canada). His contract and age both fit into the long term plans that the Trail Blazers have. If he arrives in Portland it will be be up to him to remind everyone that he is still the player that earned national attention at Syracuse.

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