Portland Trail Blazers pass or pursue target three – Gordon Hayward
The one legitimate rumor surrounding the Blazers this offseason has been a trade for Gordon Hayward. Senior NBA writer and ESPN Insider Zach Lowe said at the start of November that there had been exploratory talks around a trade where Hayward would come to the Blazers in exchange for Zach Collins, Trevor Ariza, and Rodney Hood. Though this package may not have got it done for either side, the details of this move show that Neil Olshey and co know the need for a small forward to pair with Lillard.
Some fans didn’t really see the value in this trade for the Blazers, and I understand that his injury history is probably a part of that. But he is still only 30, and if Ariza and or Hood were going to walk next offseason, why not make this trade?
I would want a full medical report to check in on his health outside of the historical injury with his leg, but if this was clear, he could play a significant role on an NBA team moving forward.
If you look at the 53 games that Hayward played this season, it was some of the best basketball he’s played in his career. It was his most efficient season to date, and though his free throw attempts were down, his rebounding and finishing at the rim were great, and he was part of a powerful Boston Celtics team.
Ariza is 35 and won’t be re-signed on any significant number next summer. Hood may hang around, but he is a one-dimensional player who isn’t a great passer, defender, or rebounder.
Hayward would need to opt-out of his $34 million deal to enable the Blazers to make this trade, but if it were Collins, Ariza, and Hood, I would potentially try and make a deal.
The Blazers may have no other option to get a small forward to pair with Dame. This move may be risky, but there is no better time to take a risk than this off-season.
Verdict – Pursue
The Blazers are in an interesting position this off-season, where they may need to take a risk to acquire a guy to make the team better. Some risk is good, but I wouldn’t give away the farm for a player like Aldridge.