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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
Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic

Why It Makes Sense for the Portland Trail Blazers

This trade was already brought up by our site expert Stevie in his potential offseason trades article and remains a sound and logical move for the Trail Blazers. Using draft capital, a young prospect and Ariza’s contract to balance the books was always going to be the most effective way to bring Aaron Gordon to Portland this offseason.

Aaron Gordon would provide the Trail Blazers with consistent play at the power forward position for the first time since LaMarcus Aldridge departed for San Antonio in the summer of 2015. Gordon can provide a consistent 15-20 points per game while providing a vertical threat to Portland’s offense. He is also a criminally underrated passer. His 4.1 assists per 36 minutes ranked 5th in the NBA among starting power forwards.

The Trail Blazers would have to give up Anfernee Simons and their first-round pick this season along with the valuable veteran presence of Ariza. But it is a sacrifice the team should be willing to make to improve at their weakest position.

Why It Makes Sense for Orlando:

With the Magic’s current core, it seems unlikely that they will be able to find playoff success. Two consecutive first-round exits in five games does little to inspire confidence long-term and it may be time to start looking at ways to get younger and cheaper. Flipping Gordon opens up minutes down low for third-year center Mo Bamba as well as for Jonathan Isaac, arguably the Magic’s best young player.

The Magic could use another young guard to play alongside Markelle Fultz and bringing Anfernee Simons into the fold gives the team a young guard duo that they can hope to carry into the future. The 16th pick in this year’s draft would give Orlando another first-round pick in a rather deep draft class and would help to fill out their roster with even more young talent. Ariza could provide a veteran defensive presence whose contract would only be on the books for the next year and could be signed for cheaper if they decide to keep him.