4 trades to make the Portland Trail Blazers instant title contenders

Already the subject of Portland’s affections at the trade deadline, the Blazers should pick back up on Otto Porter’s trail before the scent goes cold. Porter brings the exact set of skills the Blazers were sorely missing in their series against Golden State. A reliable player who can knock down threes and stretch the defense while simultaneously guarding the opposing team’s best wing could have been a real difference maker.

The Bulls should feel no real commitment to their new addition, who they acquired for scraps at the deadline. Porter’s contract is set to expire before Chicago will be ready to seriously contend, so they could benefit by maximizing on his talent and acquiring real assets in exchange.

This move nets the Portland Trail Blazers a true piece for a contending team while granting Chicago some serious flexibility. The Bulls could double down on their draft capital while taking another wing at seventh overall to replace Otto with someone who fits their timeline; or they could package both picks (or Simons) for a point guard.

Adding the Illinois-native Leonard would also be huge for Chicago considering the only backup big man they have on the roster is Cris Felicio. This move creates many possible opportunities for the Bulls while swapping Porter for another high-character locker room leader in Evan Turner.

As for the Blazers, Porter will make a welcome addition to a team sorely missing a starting-caliber wing. This move allows Zach Collins to make the jump into the starting lineup to field a much more well-rounded starting five than the one that stormed on through to the Western Conference Finals. With Nurkic returning from injury, the Blazers could look much more formidable next year while opening up even more cap room to pursue waiver wire bargains like they did with Enes Kanter and Seth Curry this season.