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Three offseason trades that make sense for the Portland Trail Blazers

By Stevie Cozens

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 6: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic looks on in the fourth quarter during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on March 6, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Magic defeated the Timberwolves 132-118. 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 David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 6: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic looks on in the fourth quarter during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on March 6, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Magic defeated the Timberwolves 132-118. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) /
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With the Portland Trail Blazers season over, the front office can soon focus on the offseason. Which 3 trades could they make to improve for next year?

Fans, rightly or wrongly, Portland Trail Blazers fans want superstar or blockbuster trades to happen to make this team a finals contender. Unfortunately, this just won’t happen. CJ McCollum isn’t going anywhere, and the only other way to bring in a high salary player would be to trade Damian Lillard. This wouldn’t happen in a thousand years.

The trades that make the most sense, are smaller ones on the margins, or by adding together other smaller contracts that we have on the books.

The forward positions are still a significant concern. Though Zach Collins is young and talented, he is probably a center, not a power forward. Carmelo Anthony is 36-years-old, so even if he does re-sign, he is only a one-year stopgap. The same can be said for Trevor Ariza, who has one year left on his deal and is 35-years-old.

The lack of competent play at the three and four really hamstrings this team. Especially when it comes to perimeter defense, rebounding and finishing at the rim.

The emergence of Gary Trent Jr. has been massive for this team, but he needs to be a backup three and spend most of his minutes at shooting guard when either Dame or CJ is off the floor. With Dame and CJ’s lack of size, this team needs size alongside them at the three.

This is the same for the power forward position. Size and skill is a must.

Here are three trades that make sense for the Blazers over the offseason.