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Blazers need to target Porzingis, even if it means trading McCollum

By Jacob Swanson

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 17: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks is introduced prior to the 2017 BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge at Smoothie King Center on February 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 17: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks is introduced prior to the 2017 BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge at Smoothie King Center on February 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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A Kristaps Porzingis trade may be in the works leading up to the draft. Trail Blazers GM Neil Olshey needs to do whatever it takes to bring him to Portland.

According to the Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Phil Jackson has caused a “frenzy” as teams have learned he isn’t completely against a Kristaps Porzingis trade.

It’s well-known that the Knicks and Blazers have been discussing possible deals around Portland’s picks in recent weeks. The Knicks are in a state of flux with Carmelo Anthony remaining in the Big Apple; the news that their young Latvian star is on the market still comes as a surprise.

Porzingis has more potential than C.J. McCollum, who will be 26 by the start of next season. The forward is four years his junior, and would give the Blazers a new offensive facet not provided by McCollum.

If Porzingis even comes close to his potential, he’d be exactly what the Blazers need. Aside from Damian Lillard, anyone should be on the block.

Porzingis averaged 18.1 points per game last season, just his second year in the league. He has the physical tools to be the best power forward in the league within a few years. McCollum just can’t offer that potential. He’s a good player who’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Fortunately, for Portland, Lillard can fill the offensive role exposed by McCollum’s absence.

Allen Crabbe and Jusuf Nurkic are likely the two most desirable assets the Blazers have outside of their three first-round picks. I’d deal both and all three picks for Porzingis if that’s what it takes to keep McCollum, but it’s not likely the Knicks are willing to part with a budding superstar for role players and picks outside the lottery. They’ve likely got an abundance of other offers on the table for stars or lottery picks.

Reportedly, the asking price is high — like Devin Booker and the fourth overall pick, high.

Nurkic became a fan favorite last year, but he doesn’t have the potential of Porzingis. The trade for Nurkic was a good move and he played good ball down the stretch. The move was easily an A+ for Portland, as it upgraded the center position for the Blazers and secured an extra first round pick.

That being said, the trade’s return doesn’t match the return that Porzingis could provide. While Nurkic is good, Porzingis will be great.