1. Orlando Magic
Ever since the loss of LaMarcus Aldridge, the Trail Blazers have long searched for an adequate replacement to hold down the power forward spot. Zach Collins looked like he could be that guy, but was almost immediately sidelined this year with a shoulder injury. Aaron Gordon would make for an affordable stand-in that would elevate Portland’s ceiling with his high-flying antics and deceptively solid defense.
As it currently stands, Carmelo Anthony is actually doing a fine job at holding down the four. But there’s no telling if he’ll bolt this summer; even if he doesn’t, Anthony will be on the latter half of 30 and will likely require a role reduction.
Meanwhile, Terrence Ross could provide some valuable bench scoring for a second unit tied with Houston for the least points scored per game in the NBA. Portland’s bench also has the third-worst net rating, ahead of only Atlanta and Golden State — which is no great feat. Ross would grant the Blazers a genuine shot creator off the bench and hopefully alleviate the load from their star guard tandem’s shoulders.
This offer could certainly pique the Magic’s interest, particularly if draft assets are included. Gordon has been severely mishandled in Orlando and it may be time for the club to start looking to collect on his value before a trade request surfaces. Additionally, Forking over a $50 million contract to the 29-year-old Ross (happy birthday, by the way) is already starting to look like a questionable move.
Adding Hassan Whiteside would make Nikola Vucevic an expendable asset — one that needs to be dealt away if Orlando has any hope putting together a true youth movement led behind Jonathan Isaac, Markelle Fultz, and Mo Bamba.
Oddly enough, this trade actually ended up hurting Portland more than helping. Gordon failed to provide the shooting Anthony and Trevor Ariza have added, while Ross struggled to establish a rhythm in a smaller role. Both players posted sub-54 true shooting percentages, and the Trail Blazers finished 35-47. It appears this deal just might end up causing more issues than providing answers.