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
Kelly Oubre Jr., Phoenix Suns (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Phoenix Suns

Why It Makes Sense for Portland:

Kelly Oubre is a player that has been projected as a trade target for the Portland Trail Blazers all season (even by us). Now at season’s end, it seems likely that the Suns would be willing to move Oubre for the right price.

This season, Oubre put up career numbers on the offensive end, averaging nearly 19 points per game. His efficiency was not great though, his league adjusted shooting numbers were slightly below league average from everywhere except the free-throw line.

But his scoring was still reliable enough, especially when combined with his ability to get to the free-throw line. Oubre would fit in well as a third option in Portland who can get buckets both inside and out.

Defensively, Oubre has always been around league average but he has the potential to be so much more. His seven-foot-two wingspan and generally long frame give him the ability to guard a variety of positions. At 24 years old, he still has time to grow and improve as a player on both sides of the ball and it’s not out of the realm of possibility to see a player with his physical skills turn into a net defensive positive.

Why It Makes Sense for Phoenix:

Oubre did play well for Phoenix last season but with younger players at his position like Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson impressing in the Orlando Bubble while he was injured, the Suns may see him as surplus to requirements.

Trevor Ariza would provide a veteran mentor presence for Bridges and Johnson, who can learn from a well-traveled defensive expert such as himself. The Suns have the cap space to take on his contract and with only one year left on his deal, they can easily cut ties with him if needed.

Nassir Little gives Phoenix another young player to add to their growing collection of prospects and he should gel well with the team, especially his former college teammate Cam Johnson. A first-round pick next year only helps to make the Sun’s decision easier.

They get a player who can help immediately, a young prospect and a first-round pick (hopefully a low one). A reasonable package for a player of Oubre’s talents which could be beneficial for both teams.