Portland Trail Blazers: Trading for T.J. Warren could take team to next level

Indiana Pacers forward T.J. Warren proved that he is a quality starter in the NBA bubble, and he would fit into the Portland Trail Blazers system perfectly.

The Portland Trail Blazers should consider making a move to bring in T.J. Warren while the Indiana Pacers try to find their new identity.

In light of back-to-back seasons in which the Pacers lost in a sweep in the first round, the team decided to part ways with head coach Nate McMillan.

McMillan, a former head coach of the Trail Blazers, built a reputation as a robust developmental coach in Indiana. Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner, and T.J. Warren have all improved while playing for McMillan.

As expected, it would take a lot to convince the Pacers to part ways with Warren as he begins to enter his career’s prime window. But this is what a potential trade could look like if the Pacers decide to build for the future.

The Blazers would have to send away Anfernee Simons, Trevor Ariza, the team’s second-round pick in the upcoming draft, and the rights to Atlanta’s second-round pick in 2024.

This may need to be a first-round pick instead of the seconds, but the above trade forms a starting point to negotiate.

This trade would instantly boost an already potent Blazer offense by adding an athletic Warren who led his team in scoring last season.

Additionally, the 27-year old improved on the defensive end during his time with the Pacers. Having a pure two-way player in the starting lineup would ease some of the deficiencies on the defensive end.

It would be very realistic to say the Blazers could get upwards of 55 wins, which would make for a better record than the 2019 playoff team.

Off the court, Warren is committed to bettering the lives of others through his foundation. He uses a significant portion of his funds to provide high schoolers academic resources in his native Raleigh-Durham area.

The starting lineup would feature Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, T.J. Warren, Zach Collins, and Jusuf Nurkic. The bench would feature Gary Trent J.R., Carmelo Anthony, Hassan Whiteside, and Rodney Hood.

Many other hypothetical trades would include C.J. McCollum along with other core players for a bigger splash. This is more appealing because the core of the team is protected while still bettering the roster.

Looking ahead to the 2020-2021 season, this year is make or break for the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard and McCollum are not getting any younger, and thus the championship window is beginning to close.

Thankfully for Blazers fans, Neil Olshey is one of the most proven general managers in the entire NBA. Hopefully, he will consider this or something similar to it to win the championship as soon as next season.