Trade #2
There are a lot more moving parts in this deal, but it could be a win for all three teams.
If Popovich and the Spurs want to get better, this makes sense for them. They flip Aldridge for a younger and better player in Blake Griffin
. To cover the difference, they throw in Lonnie Walker IV and the expiring contract of Davis Bertans. The Blazers also send them Gary Trent Jr. to make up some of the value for giving up Walker.
The Blazers do not lose Anfernee Simons in this trade, and that is due to the value of Evan Turner’s expiring contract to the Pistons. Detroit would clear $24.9 million in salary between the expiring deals of Bertans and Turner. The Pistons would also acquire two young prospects in Zach Collins and Walker and a first-round pick.
This deal would be a huge win for the Blazers because it would allow them to acquire Aldridge without giving up a member of the big three or Anfernee Simons.