The Blazers acquired Jusuf Nurkic and Arron Afflalo at recent trade deadlines. Who should Portland target this year, and what will it cost?
It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year.
From mid Jan. until Feb. 7 at 11:59 PM, NBA nerds around the world congregate on blogs and subreddits to relish in the infinite possibilities of trade-deadline scenarios.
Trade season doesn’t discriminate against losing fan bases. Teams like Atlanta, Chicago, Orlando, and Memphis are just as qualified to roll the dice as Golden State, Cleveland and Houston.
The Portland Trail Blazers are regular gamblers this time of year. Remember last season, when the Blazers stole Jusuf Nurkic and a first round pick from Denver for Mason Plumlee, a second rounder and cash? General Manager Neil Olshey was counting cards that night.
And don’t forget the 2014-2015 deadline. The front office went all in, trading Will Barton, Victor Claver, Thomas Robinson and a conditional 2016 first rounder for Arron Afflalo and Alonzo Gee. Looking back, Olshey may have ordered too many vodka cranberries that evening.
Portland is expected to be active at the trade deadline again this season. In fact, the Blazers are laying their cash on the table as we speak (how long can I keep this gambling analogy going).
What do the Blazers need?
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Portland is in the market for wing players.
The Blazers need a small forward who can stretch the floor with three-point shooting and threaten to score 12-15 points every night.
Evan Turner and Pat Connaughton are serviceable bench pieces but not starting small forwards on a playoff roster. Portland ranks 24th in the NBA in three-point attempts and 21st in points; shooting is at the top of the wish list.
Portland also needs an offensive-minded power forward who can stretch the frontcourt alongside Jusuf Nurkic. Al-Farouq Aminu is shooting well this season, but heading into the playoff stretch, the Blazers could use a starting four with a stronger offensive skill set.