Three trades the Portland Trail Blazers could make at the deadline

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Portland acquires Alec Burks for Ed Davis and Shabazz Napier.

In his trade deadline article, Wojnarowski reported teams are “targeting the availability” of Utah’s shooting guard Alec Burks. With the emergence of rookie Donovan Mitchell and Rodney Hood’s return from injury, Burks isn’t playing enough minutes in Utah to justify his $10.8 million contract.

Burks was drafted 12^th overall in 2011 because of his athleticism and ability to blow by defenders. Injuries and an abundance of shooting guards in Utah slowed his development. Similar to Nurkic last season, Burks needs an opportunity to play bigger minutes.

With his lanky wingspan and strong ball-handling skills, Burks compares to a three-point shooting version of Evan Turner. Burks is scoring 25.4 points per 100 possessions and shooting 35 percent from three.

In Portland, Burks wouldn’t be asked to be a regular starter, instead providing an offensive spark off the bench. The Blazers could use a playmaking guard who attacks the basket and gets to the free-throw line.

https://twitter.com/utahjazz/status/936480885121019906

Despite his athleticism and 6’10” wingspan, Burks has never maxed out his defensive abilities. Could a change of scenery and an increased role re-engage Burks? He would certainly make for a valuable bench piece in the playoffs.

Next: Blazers lose to Rockets without Harden

In the coming weeks, the Blazers have an opportunity to improve their roster while also building for the future. Nikola Mirotic, DeMarre Carroll and Kent Bazemore have also been mentioned as potential trade candidates. Is Olshey willing to play at the craps table this season — and if so — how much is he willing to wager?

Happy trade season!