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Portland Trail Blazers: Three players to target with trade exception

By Stevie Cozens

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 11: Enes Kanter #11 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball during the fourth quarter against the Grizzlies at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 11: Enes Kanter #11 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball during the fourth quarter against the Grizzlies at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Portland Trail Blazers exception candidate one – JaMychal Green

JaMychal Green of the LA Clippers is a 30-year-old big man. As a member of the Clippers, Green has been used as a stretch four or as a small-ball five in certain non-center lineups.

The Clippers built their team in the summer of 2019 with just one true center on the roster in Ivica Zubac. When Zubac was off the floor, they hoped to play small ball with Green, or bully ball with Montrezl Harrell. The Clippers wanted to use these guys as complementary pieces to superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

However, the Clippers bombed out in the second round in a demoralizing loss to the Denver Nuggets. They blew a three games to one lead and now have serious questions to answer on the construction of their roster and the franchise’s future.

Green won’t cop any of the flak, though. He performed his role credibly, shooting 56 percent from the field and 43 percent from three.

The Clippers, though, as they aren’t in the best space financially, may choose to move guys like Green to clear cap space. By trading with the Blazers and their trade exception though, the Clippers can get off salary without bringing anything back.

If the Clippers want to move Green, the Blazers should look to bring him in.

Green earns just $5 million and is only on a one-year deal. He can play the four and the five, and he has strong playoff experience. He is also a 37.4 percent career shooter from three-point range, an excellent mark for a big. Green is also a strong rebounder.

As a defender, he holds his own with good positioning rather than rim protection. He could play the four alongside Jusuf Nurkic or Zach Collins.

Also, because Green is just 30, and the Blazers would inherit his bird rights – they could go over the cap to re-sign him next year if need be.