Rip City Project
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Portland Trail Blazers: A Potential Trade With Every NBA Team

By Spencer Poole

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 08: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 08, 2020 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 08: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 08, 2020 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Portland Trail Blazers
Frank Ntilikina, New York Knicks (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

New York Knicks

Why It Makes Sense for the Portland Trail Blazers

Portland’s defense needs to improve next season and without lots of cap space, taking flyers of players with potential is one viable option to do so.

Frank Ntilikina, A.K.A. Frankie Smokes, has shown all the defensive potential in the world but an inability to contribute on the offensive end has hampered his progress as a player. With just one year left on his rookie deal, it’s quite likely the Knicks will be willing to part ways with him rather than resign him to another deal.

Ntilikina was one of the lone bright spots for a woeful Knicks defense last season. He was one of just three players on the team with a positive defensive box plus-minus. The Frenchise received plenty of praise from other NBA players as well. Donovan Mitchell called him “one of the toughest defenders I ever have to face”.

While his offense continues to struggle, there are signs Nitilkina is turning a corner. He shot over 40 percent from deep in the eight games following the all-star break this season and set career highs in true shooting percentage and offensive win shares. With a better offense around him, Nitilkina will not be relied on as heavily in Portland and can focus more on the defensive end where he is needed most.

Bullock provides a solid if unspectacular replacement for Rodney Hood who would be departing in this trade. He plays about league average defense with a shooting stroke that albeit streaky is dependable enough to make him a valuable piece off the bench or a lower-end starter if necessary.

Why it Makes Sense for New York:

After his offensive shortcomings over the past three seasons, the Knicks may be wary about paying Frank Nitilkina despite his great defense. With the eighth pick in this year’s NBA draft, many are projecting the Knicks to take a guard, putting Nitkinas position on the team into jeopardy.

While the Knicks struggled across the board last season, they especially struggled on the offensive end, ranking 29th in total points scored. Acquiring Rodney Hood gives them a dependable and affordable scoring option at the small forward position who would only be on contract through the end of next season, meaning the Knicks can part ways with him easily if things don’t work out.

In New York, Hood would have the chance to flash his offensive game more than in Portland. As one of the team’s primary scoring options, Hood could make a return to averaging 16-17 points per game as he did in Utah while helping to drag the Knicks offense out of the dumpster in the process.