Dump Mario Hezonja and matching salary to bring PJ Tucker back
Mario Hezonja is almost certainly going to opt into his contract’s second year after such a disappointing first year. Hezonja may have the season to play himself back into the rotation and keep himself in the league, but if a trade comes up where he needs to be used as salary ballast, he could be moved.
Hezonja has no value at this point, so his contract is a negative. The Blazers would need to add more matching salary to make the deal work, be it a sign and trade or adding one of the above options.
Tucker could solve many of the Blazers’ defensive problems while also adding complementary corner three shooting. The ability to hit an open corner three is an elite skill in the NBA. Tucker draws charges, he hits the glass on both ends, and he is an excellent man defender on some of the league’s strongest players. He is available in trade right now, pull the trigger Neil!