Cody Zeller and Marvin Williams
This trade isn’t as exciting as the one mentioned above but it ticks more of the boxes salary wise. For the Blazers they would get future money in Cody Zeller, while getting Marvin Williams bird rights. They wouldn’t have to give up a first as the Charlotte Hornets would be getting off Zeller’s future money. The Blazers would also be able get off a small amount of future money in Mario Hezonja.
Though the salaries are almost identical in this trade it would give the front-court some much-needed backup with Zeller able to slide onto the bench when Jusuf Nurkic is back up to speed. Skal Labissiere is still a great backup option so Zeller could be moved next season when his expiring has strong value.
Williams expires this year, but his bird rights would be of value to the Blazers. He is a strong stretch-four, who can defend and play a little bit of backup five if needed. He is a respected veteran presence in the locker room while having playoff experience and the versatility to play multiple positions. He still finishes well at the rim and has shot 38 percent from three in his six seasons with the Hornets.
Zeller is a traditional big in the sense that he doesn’t space the floor at all. Most of his shots come at the rim and he gets to the line a lot. He has great size at seven-feet-tall and holds his own under the rim on defense. He is a good passer for a big man though, and he hits the offensive glass hard, an area where the Blazers struggle this year.
The Hornets are in blow it up mode, they would save all of next years salary for Zeller while only bringing back Hezonja’s money for next year. They would inherit Whiteside’s bird rights too. Whiteside would probably be a good signing for them as they aren’t a destination in free agency.
This trade is a win-win for both teams.