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Trail Blazers: 3 impact trades to help ease Jusuf Nurkic’s eventual return

By Ryan Gaskin

PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 25: Jusuf Nurkic #27 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts in the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets during their game at Moda Center on March 25, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 25: Jusuf Nurkic #27 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts in the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets during their game at Moda Center on March 25, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Jusuf Nurkic’s return is a way off for now, but will arrive with plenty of question marks. The Portland Trail Blazers must be ready to handle the ramifications.

In a recent interview, Portland Trail Blazers GM Neil Olshey stated that the organization would will stay ‘purposely vague’ on Jusuf Nurkic‘s status, and stressed there would be no “Nurk Watch 2019”.

Regardless of these comments, Rip City will remain anxious for the Bosnian to return, and will be hanging on to any sort of news that comes their way. But when Nurkic does finally return, the Blazers will have some decisions to make. How will they adapt their roster to fully capitalize on his return?

The Blazers have looked gritty, albeit uninspiring to open up the new season. A new roster with seven fresh faces obviously needs some time to gel, but it’s clear they’re not the same team with Hassan Whiteside manning the middle. I’m expecting Nurkic to return to the floor around February time, but whether he hits the ground running or not is a completely different conversation. Whether Nurk is 50 percent, 75 percent, or even feeling at full strength, his recovery opens up plenty of doors for Portland; in a wide-open Western Conference, there’s no better time to take a few risks.

Both Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum have both been vocal about the switch of mindset in Portland.

The talent in their backcourt, added shooters and the unclear outlook of the Western Conference has the Blazers believing they can win it all this year; CJ stated “this is the time”. Whilst I agree that the ceiling is high, I still think they need another piece. I think the Blazers will swing for a trade midseason, and Nurkic’s health will decide which piece they go and get.

Here are 3 trades Portland could potentially look into later in the season.