Why the Blazers should look into Willy Hernangomez
Cap Space
I already discussed one trade idea with the New York Knicks involving Kyle O’Quinn and Courtney Lee.
For more of a salary dump opportunity, the Blazers could pursue Hernangomez instead.
He’s currently in the second year of a four-year, $5.8 million contract. For a very capable, young center, paying $1.4 million per year is unbelievably cheap in today’s NBA.
Comparatively, Portland’s other reserve big men are making significantly more (hint: Meyers Leonard).
The Knicks have a current team payroll of $104 million. Next year, while still retaining their young core, New York is tied up for $95 million.
This means they can handle one of the Blazers’ big contracts – either Evan Turner‘s $18 million, Maurice Harkless‘s $10 million or Leonard’s $10 million.
This saves Portland from luxury tax payment without disrupting the team core. It also gives them a little more leeway entering this offseason, when Shabazz Napier, Ed Davis and Jusuf Nurkic are all up for new contracts.
Team Fit
Willy Hernangomez is not a stretch center. In his short career, Hernangomez has made just 5/20 three-point attempts. He rarely attempts them, and doesn’t convert at a high rate.
Portland already has enough big men who thrive in the paint in Jusuf Nurkic and Ed Davis.
However, both could possibly be in different uniforms come next season. The Blazers need a backup plan in this situation.
Hernangomez, an unrestricted free agent in 2020, could be the temporary replacement for either or both of Nurkic and Davis.
He could hold the team over at the center position alongside Zach Collins and Caleb Swanigan. With the financial leeway as well, Portland could scour free agency for a new starting center.
Next: Kings, Thunder interested in Maurice Harkless
The Blazers, currently 19th in the NBA for three-pointers made per game, needs extra shooting. Including Courtney Lee in a trade for Hernangomez is the only way to make it worthwhile.
But what Rip City fans want is a season-changing trade. Acquiring Lee and Hernangomez improves the team’s future cap situation, but still doesn’t bring in that final piece we’re all longing for.