There seems to be a 50 / 50 chance we keep Hassan Whiteside at the deadline. If he was to be moved, who would be a good fit on this Trail Blazers team?
It looks to be touch and go whether Hassan Whiteside will be staying in Rip City past the deadline, if the Trail Blazers were to move him there are still plenty of available options on the trade market. A wing and a backup center are probably the two best options in terms of a return. Though the trade market has been quiet in terms of trades so far, there are still many players available.
Bringing back money for next season would also be ideal. The 2021 free agency class is stacked, so having an expiring salary for next year could be of value. If the Blazers still want to shed salary they could bring back less than they send out in a Whiteside trade, then still have the ability to move Trevor Ariza before the draft this year.
Strengthening the small forward / power forward rotation would be ideal for next season. It looks like Carmelo Anthony wants to return, but he can only play the power forward position these days. Having some toughness in the front court along with versatility would help with a playoff push this season too. A competent center would also be required if Whiteside was going to be moved.
A few different options have been mentioned along these lines in trade circles on NBA twitter. There are multiple teams trying to push the reset button, these teams will be buyers at the deadline so their players may be had for pennies on the dollar.
Whiteside’s $27 million salary can be packaged in a few different ways. The Blazers can bring back less salary and / or multiple players depending on what they wish to do around the luxury tax and spending.
Without further ado here is our trade deadline wish list