Trade #5 – A second-round pick for Alex Len
Like the aforementioned Baynes, Alex Len hasn’t played a massive amount for the Toronto Raptors after signing a one-year veteran’s minimum deal in the 2020 Free Agency.
He is playing just 10 minutes a night, a career-low going back to his rookie year.
The seven-foot Ukrainian uses his strength and length to impact the game mainly. With a big 250-pound frame and a long seven-foot-four wingspan, Len is an excellent rim protector. He is also one of the best rebounders in the league on a per-minute basis.
Though he isn’t a great defender away from the rim, Len is also a stretch big these days, hitting 34 percent of his career threes.
Though Len has taken a step back in terms of his per minutes roles this year and last, he is a good fit as a second or third big off the bench.
The Blazers need size as they have struggled with their rim protection this season. Len could be a nice fit as a third big, if the Raptors are willing to part with him.
A second-round pick would probably get the deal done, and the Blazers could absorb Len into their minimum exception.
Though none of these guys are star centers, the Blazers don’t have many other options if they want to add a third big. This Blazer team struggles with injuries, so maybe having some insurance at the five-man spot would be smart.