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Portland Trail Blazers: Breaking down the off-season, move by move

By Stevie Cozens

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 06: Robert Covington #33 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 06, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 06: Robert Covington #33 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 06, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard and Enes Kante, Portland Trail Blazers. (Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports) /

Trading Mario Hezonja in a three-team deal, and brought back Enes Kanter

When Olshey dumped Hezonja in a three-team deal with the Memphis Grizzlies and Boston Celtics, he brought back one of the key pieces in one of the most successful Blazer teams in recent memory – Enes Kanter.

Most fans will remember Kanter playing a key role in the spectacular seven-game series with the Denver Nuggets in 2019. Averaging 12.7 points and 10.9 rebounds in this series, Kanter bravely played with an injured shoulder as the Blazers come out on top four games to three.

Fast forward a year, and Kanter is now returning as the backup center, this time to Jusuf Nurkic.

Though Hezonja was moved in this deal, the best part of this transaction was Olshey using the trade exception from the Ariza / Kent Bazemore trade. Without this, they had no way of getting a backup big while also signing Jones Jr.

Though Kanter isn’t great defensively, he is one of the best rebounders and energy bigs in the league. In Stotts conservative pick and roll drop coverage, Kanter is passable on defense. He can sink into the paint and use his length and strength to deter the odd shot.

Yes, he can’t move his feet, but he can use his seven-foot-one wingspan to deter shots in the paint.

Offensively, he is strong and has great touch in the restricted area. He doesn’t have shooting range outside of the midrange, but he can knock that down at a decent clip.

With the trade exception, this was the perfect move. Hats off to Olshey for another deal well done.