Portland Trail Blazers: 4 potential trades to improve at the wing

There’s arguably more star power at the wing than any other position in the NBA. The Portland Trail Blazers would be wise to find an effective upgrade before it’s too late.

The Portland Trail Blazers are entering the 2019-20 season facing the tough decision between starting either Rodney Hood or Kent Bazemore at the small forward position. Although both are quality role players in the league, this reality is far from the most appetizing plate of options.

While the roster is already very solid as currently constructed, it’s always wise to keep a keen eye out for potential upgrades when available. Hood and Bazemore just aren’t going to cut it as full-time starters.

Consider this, the Blazers could very realistically be forced to go through the likes of LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Giannis Antetokounmpo at the wing en route to an NBA championship. This tier of superstar players will eat all night with Portland’s weak wing rotation as the only opposition standing across from them.

The message is clearer than ever, it’s time to begin the search for a championship caliber player to assume the starting small forward role in Portland. Neil Olshey’s decision to only carry 14 players on the roster into next year also clearly shows he’s got his mind on the trade market, and the possibility of having to take an additional player back in a trade later.

With more teams looking to compete than ever, the market for talented perimeter players is thinner than ever. Already with one of the most shallow talent pools in basketball, it’s now going to be especially hard to pry quality players from contenders.

In the following slides, Rip City Project breaks down a handful of realistic options the Portland Trail Blazers may decide to act upon to help elevate their roster to the next level.