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
Lauri Markkanen, Chicago Bulls. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Chicago Bulls

Why It Makes Sense for the Portland Trail Blazers:

Although he is coming off an off-year, a stretch-four like Lauri Markkanen would be a seamless fit into Portland’s starting lineup. He has proven himself as a consistent bucket getter who can spread the floor, opening up more space for Lillard and McCollum to work while also providing a larger post presence at times.

Even still Markkanen does have his struggles. He’s never been a great defender or rim protector, especially for a seven-footer. The Marksman struggled from deep last season, shooting under 35 percent from downtown.

He also has some problems with injuries and played in only 52 games in 2018-2019. That being said he’s a young power forward with loads of potential whose value may never be lower, it’s pertinent that Portland strikes while the iron is hot here.

Chandler Hutchinson would be another solid addition to the squad who can provide a little bit of everything off the bench. While his shooting from long range leaves much to be desired, he still is a good finisher above the rim and is a decent to above-average defender. Hutchinson also deals with injury problems but if healthy would be a nice bench piece.

Why It Makes Sense for the Chicago Bulls:

Markkanen has expressed his unhappiness with the Bulls in the past. Although much of this resentment had to do with former head coach Jim Boylen, it could be the case that Markkanen still wants out. After a poor third season, it’s quite possible that Chicago would be happy to grant his wish for a good return on investment.

Rodney Hood gives Chicago another option at small forward with plenty of starting experience. The Bulls regular starting small forward Otto Porter Jr. is often injured and having a guy like Hood ready to replace them will help the team to feel more at ease.

Chicago will probably be looking most intently at the other two pieces in this trade. Nassir Little was the Trail Blazer’s first-round pick last year and although his form was up and down he clearly has the potential to be a good NBA player if given room to grow. Little would fit in well with Chicago’s rebuilding timeline and would be happy to reunite with former UNC teammate Coby White.

A 2021 first-round pick gives the Bulls another valuable asset they can use on building their team over the next couple of seasons. With the #4 pick in this year’s draft and four picks in next year’s draft following this trade, Chicago would have the pieces in place to build a new young core.