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3 trades the Portland Trail Blazers should target if Zach Collins’ injury lingers

By Austin Carroll

DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 27: Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers leaves the game against the Dallas Mavericks after a shoulder injury in the second half at American Airlines Center on October 27, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 27: Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers leaves the game against the Dallas Mavericks after a shoulder injury in the second half at American Airlines Center on October 27, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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2. Bobby Portis

It might be a difficult task prying away a power forward from the Knicks, as they seem to be hoarding them away like precious gems. Let’s hope common sense prevails in New York’s front office and they look to acquire any assets possible as they unload their log jam at the four.

Among all forwards on New York’s roster, Bobby Portis looks the most appealing. Portis has earned his reputation as one of the most intense players in the league, and would fit right in with Portland’s internal culture.

‘Crazy Eyes’ Bobby Portis is the perfect ideological stretch four in a modern NBA that emphasizes 3-point shooting across all five positions. Last year, Portis excelled on two different rosters with the Bulls and Knicks, averaging 14.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per contest while lighting it up at a rate of 39.3 percent from behind the arc.

Considering Portis, Taj Gibson and Marcus Morris can all be cut loose at no cost to the Knicks after this season, common sense says they’ll be looking to get anything they can for these assets prior to the trade deadline before they end up walking for nothing.

The Knicks aren’t actively trying to win games this year; they clearly need to collect more assets. With Portis capable of heating up and willing the team to wins through sheer will power (like Monday night against Chicago), he’s the perfect buy-low candidate instead of expending significant draft capital on an oft-injured star.

Portis has only been to the playoffs once in his career, on a declining Bulls team that ended in a first-round defeat. He would embrace playing in a more competitive environment with the Portland Trail Blazers. Again, while losing Bazemore isn’t ideal, Portis separates himself with his ability to take a game over. Comparatively speaking, he should have a greater affect on the Blazers’ win column across an 82 game season.