3 centers the Trail Blazers could trade for to improve frontcourt depth

Due to injuries, the Portland Trail Blazers look awfully thin at center. Finding some front-court depth before the trade deadline should be a top priority moving forward.

Jusuf Nurkic won’t be making his return until around the trade deadline in February. Zach Collins isn’t expected to be back before the end of the regular season, possibly even later. Even Skal Labissiere will miss a stretch of games due to a knee injury. The Portland Trail Blazers have a lot of problems and not many solutions on their hands.

With very limited options at center in free agency, the Blazers should consider trading for one. I found three players that can not only fill the backup center role but are also affordable for the Blazers.

1. Bismack Biyombo, Charlotte Hornets

Bismack Biyombo is averaging 8 points and 5.7 rebounds in 18 minutes per game. Biyombo also ranks 32nd in total rebounds per 100 possessions with 14.9.

Biyombo has struggled these past few seasons after he dominated in the playoffs for Toronto, but this season is different. Biyombo has shown that he could still be quality center in the NBA in 2019. He might be a bit undersized, but he has extremely long arms and athleticism to make up for it.

Bismack is in the final year of his contract and is making $17 million this season. The Blazers would have to give up Kent Bazemore to get Biyombo away from Charlotte.

2. Gorgui Dieng, Minnesota Timberwolves

Gorgui Dieng is averaging 6 points and 5 rebounds in 16 minutes per game. Dieng ranks 33rd in total rebounds per 100 possessions with 14.9.

Dieng has been a solid big man in Minnesota for over six seasons now. Dieng is a solid player on both ends of the floor. He can score effectively down in the paint while making the occasional 3-pointer. Gorgui is also a good defender in the paint and can pull down a few rebounds.

Dieng has two years left on his contract. Dieng is making $16 million this season and $17 million next season. Since he’s not on an expiring deal, Dieng could likely be acquired without giving up much in the way of assets. If anything, Portland might be able to pry away a draft pick or two if they take him off Minnesota’s books while they search for an upgrade at the point.

3. Chris Silva, Miami Heat

Chris Silva is averaging 3.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in 9.5 minutes per game this season. Silva ranks 11th in total rebounds per 100 possessions with 18.2.

Chris Silva is currently in a two-way contract with the Heat. So, if the Blazers want to trade for him, they would have to release one of their two-way contract players, or release another player under contract and sign Silva for the rest of the season.

Silva has shown a lot of promise for the Heat in limited action. Silva’s game is raw, but he has a lot of athleticism and is a great rebounder. Silva is undersized, but that shouldn’t be too much of an issue coming off the bench.

These are the three guys that I think Portland should consider trading for to get a quality center off the bench.