Portland Trail Blazers: 4 potential trades to improve at the wing
The electric offensive threat
While Dame and CJ have reigned for years as one of the top one-two punches in the entire NBA, superstar duos sprouting up all around the league may call for the addition of a third high-powered offensive player like Danilo Gallinari. Brace yourselves, we’re going to get a little crazy for this one.
Before you dismiss this trade for it’s sheer complexity and ridiculousness, remind yourself that Danny Ainge and Sam Presti are two of the most eccentric general managers in the league that will do anything to improve their team. Things like, trading away a beloved star for Kyrie Irving, or force another team to shell out a treasure trove of first-round picks for Paul George.
On paper, each team involved in this scenario would directly benefit from the trade above.
The Thunder would add to their massive pile of draft assets and grant Semi Ojeleye a large enough role to prove if he truly is an NBA player. Meanwhile, the Celtics would cut the overpaid Gordon Hayward out from under next year’s payroll while picking up improvements to their starting center position and perimeter depth. The young guns would also get to re-take full control of the circus in Boston.
On Portland’s end of things, the Blazers would pick up one of the most underrated raw scorers in the entire league in Gallinari. Last year, Danilo put up 19.8 points per contest on a ridiculous 63.3 true shooting percentage that ranks as the fourth best mark among all non-centers. Nerlens Noel would also serve as a fantastic spot-starter until Jusuf Nurkic returns and would remain a quality role player even after.
When it’s all said and done, this trade would offer the Blazers that third option on offense they have desired for so long. It would bolster the Thunder’s stockpile of assets and allow them to make bigger moves in the future. Meanwhile, the Celtics would be able to clear their payroll and search for another star in free agency, ideally one that won’t disrupt the team’s chemistry and bolt the first chance he gets.
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As you can see for yourself, there are many routes the Portland Trail Blazers could take to improving their talent on the perimeter. Whether they choose to add an offensive or a defensive piece, a young gun or an experienced veteran, I’m confident Neil Olshey will make the right moves necessary to build this team into a true title contender.