Portland Trail Blazers Roundtable: NBA Trade Deadline Preview

Outside of Dame and Nurkic, which Blazer do you not want to see traded?

Ashlin: For me, it is Jake Layman. He has played really well as of late and has the potential to be the wing scorer that the Blazers have not had. We also have to remember that this is only his first season playing significant minutes. At 24 years old and with his underrated athleticism and shooting ability, Layman may have a lot more upside than we realize.

Patrick: I think if you want to make a move that will add real value to the Blazers, everyone should be on the table. Personally, though, I’d hate to see Zach Collins go after only 1.5 years. Sure, he isn’t living up to our expectations over this offseason, but he is still only 21-years-old. There are flashes of talent, he seems like a smart player, I think he just needs a couple of years to put it all together to become a really solid starter. I’d hate for the Blazers to give up on him early and include him in a deal as a sort of sweetener. If he can become the dynamic stretch four/five shot-blocker that we thought he could be, he will add a ton of versatility to Blazers’ lineups.

Gutbrod: I would like to keep Meyers Leonard out of trades. Meyers has had an efficient season shooting the ball with a 52/44/86 split. That is high-quality offensive for a low-minute player such as Leonard. I also believe that Meyers, with his shooting, will have more value on the trade market a year from now when his contract is expiring and would prefer to hold onto him and shop him then.

Piper: I don’t really want to see CJ McCollum traded, but if we can get another star out of him I could get on board with it though. Most of all, I don’t want to see Jake Layman traded. I am very excited about him right now and hopeful for more minutes for Layman.

Corn: I personally don’t want to see Zach Collins being traded. I think he has the has the potential to provide a Kevin Love type role with a little more defense. If he were to be traded that would mean the Blazers are making a blockbuster deal and needed him for leverage, so I don’t see that happening.

Gershon: Despite CJ McCollum’s recent struggles and the Blazers needing help with defense in their frontcourt there’s no way they can trade him. When he is on, it’s hard to find a better game changing shooter in all of basketball.  McCollum has a killer instinct and keeping him with the franchise this year and beyond is imperative. Unless someone offers an irresistible trade package including early first round picks and a handful of NBA talent, McCollum needs to stay a Portland Trail Blazer.