What is a more realistic trade that you would like to see happen?
Ashlin: The Blazers were linked to Jeremy Lin, so maybe they are interested in pursuing a backup point guard. If that is the case, I would love to see them trade for Patrick Beverley. Beverley is not the best offensive player, but he can add some defensive toughness off the bench for a team that desperately needs it. Seth Curry can play alongside him at shooting guard. The Clippers are focused on this offseason and may not be able to keep Beverley if they land Kawhi Leonard and re-sign Tobias Harris. Portland would not have to give up much to get him, maybe Caleb Swanigan, Nik Stauskas, and Wade Baldwin to make the salaries work.
Patrick: My more realistic trade centers around Terrence Ross from the Orlando Magic. I’m not exactly sure what types of pieces and parts the Magic would require to get this deal done, but I feel that Ross could help bolster the Blazers’ second unit. While Evan Turner has performed admirably in this role, I feel Ross is a more complete sixth man general, especially in the playoffs. Not only can he make plays for others, but he can make plays for himself and turn into a microwave of sorts. Having him off the bench could decrease the pressure on Dame and CJ and help keep them playing more together rather than falling back into staggering lineups.
Gutbrod: I would say a deal that sent Tobias Harris or Danilo Gallinari to Portland. The Clippers are waiting to make a big splash in free agency this summer. A three-team deal could send a combination of expiring contracts, young players, or draft picks to the Clippers. The Clippers would increase their own stock of assets while maintaining the financial ability to go after the big fish in free agency. For a team with eyes on the future, it would seem worth it to take in some capital for a talented player like Harris or Gallinari. Harris is the better player but will cost more to acquire and is on an expiring contract himself. Gallinari is the more realistic possibility and has a year remaining on his contract.
Piper: Rodney Hood for Caleb Swanigan, Nik Stauskus, and a future 2nd-round pick. This would help us improve our roster by bringing in a probable starter and only giving up Swanigan who will probably struggle to find minutes on this team in the near future because of Alex Collins/Meyers Leonard, and Stauskus who I think should be receiving less minutes in favor of Layman and Curry. Hood has not fit well in Cleveland, but is just 2 seasons separated from averaging almost 17 points per game and I think the Blazers could be a better fit for him. This helps the Cavs by aiding in the tank efforts in the short term (kind of sad that getting worse seems to be the goal) and they would also receive a young talented PF that has the potential to be the PF of the future alongside Larry Nance should Kevin Love get dealt at the deadline as well and a young SG to help fill the gap that JR Smith and Kyle Korver have left.
Corn: In my article, I also suggested a “safe” trade where we give the Magic Maurice Harkless, Gary Trent Jr. and a 2nd rounder in 2021 for Terrence Ross. He’s having a career year and would start for the team immediately. I would like the team to do a few small moves like acquire Ross and then go and get Wayne Ellington from Miami for cheap and kind of reload the roster and get ready for another playoff push.
Gershon: I think Portland is going to make a move to beef up their defense if they do anything at all. Thus a reunion with Wesley Matthews would make a lot of sense. Dallas is almost surely looking to sell but, Matthews won’t be a player they sell to high on. It shouldn’t take too much to get him perhaps a pair of second rounders and a player such as Stauskas.