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Portland Trail Blazers: 3 way too early hypothetical trade deadline deals

By Stevie Cozens

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on February 28, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on February 28, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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The Portland Trail Blazers season hasn’t begun, but Neil Olshey will still have an eye on the trade market. Which 3 deals could be made at the deadline?

The Portland Trail Blazers are just a few weeks away from regular-season competition, but Neil Olshey will still likely have one eye on the trade market.

Though this Blazers team has impressive depth, no smart general manager would let a trade opportunity or player upgrade pass them by.

Many NBA teams may look to improve in the 2020 season by swapping a big for a guard or vice versa. There will also be tanking teams who may be looking to offload players for assets. The Blazers have a strong team from roster spots 1 – 14, but they could bring back a trade target or two in a deal.

Which 3 deals could the Blazers make before the trade deadline?

The Blazers have one current problem with their roster – guard creation behind Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. They currently have just Anfernee Simons, a heat-up quick guy who can get his own shot but cannot set up his teammates. Ant still has time to grow into his role as a backup guard, but the Blazers may still want to bring in another backup creator to drive efficient offense.

Though he is 36-years-old, J.J. Redick is still one of the best shooters in the league and could pair well on a second unit with guys like Harry Giles. When McCollum is sitting, Redick could play with Dame, and when Dame is sitting, Redick could form a lethal two-man partnership with Jusuf Nurkic.

Redick is coming to the end of the years where he will be a plus player on an NBA team, but this is a move to give the Blazers a knockdown shooter at the highest levels. They need to contend now, and Redick is still close to his best.

Redick is one of the greatest three-point shooters of all-time at a career rate of 41.6 percent, and he would likely want to be on a team that is contending for a title and at least a strong playoff run.

Redick has a great two-man game with bigs, while also being able to create for others a little in the pick and roll.

As the Blazers would inherit his early bird rights, they could bring him back on a long-term deal after he comes off contract next summer.

By sending Rodney Hood out in this deal, the Pelicans would save a little salary but would get a shooter who could still create his own shot while being a bit younger and fitting their timeline better. The Pelicans would also save a little salary in this move, and get a second-round pick.

Gary Trent Jr. will need to be paid by the Blazers next summer, so he is the longterm two / three for this team. Sending Hood out makes sense as Trent continues to develop though.