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.