The Portland Trail Blazers needed to make a splash to contend in the Western Conference next. Adding Robert Covington is just what they needed.
The Portland Trail Blazers are coming off of a disappointing season. Entering the year with high aspirations, injury upon injury held the team back at every turn.
Fighting through, the Blazers put on an impressive display in the bubble and forced their way to the playoffs. While they finished the year as the 8th seed, they showed that they would return next season with a vengeance.
Eyes were on Neil Olshey to see what he would do next. Yes, the team would be better next season if they’re fully healthy, but they were still clearly at least one piece away.
As the NBA trade window opened on November 16th, the Blazers spent the first half of the day rather quiet. Just before days end though, Neil Olshey struck a win-now deal, one that propels the Blazers into contention.
The Rockets are finalizing a trade to send Robert Covington to Portland for Trevor Ariza and 2020 first-round pick and 2021 protected first-round pick, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 17, 2020
Moving on from their first-round pick, this year’s 16th overall, and a protected first in 2021, the team desired to compete this year.
The West will be an interesting conference next season as teams like the Clippers, Jazz, Rockets, and Thunder are all surrounded by question marks. The Lakers are obviously still top dog, but they’re not invulnerable.
A win-now move is the right move for this Blazers team. Robert Covington, meanwhile, is the perfect addition for Portland.