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Portland Trail Blazers: 3 trades to keep the season afloat

By Zach Ciavolella

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 18: Keldon Johnson #3 of the San Antonio Spurs works towards the basket against Nassir Little #9 and Anfernee Simons #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter at Moda Center on January 18, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 18: Keldon Johnson #3 of the San Antonio Spurs works towards the basket against Nassir Little #9 and Anfernee Simons #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter at Moda Center on January 18, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Portland Trail Blazers
Rodney Hood, Portland Trail Blazers (Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports) /

The Portland Trail Blazers have suffered one setback after another this season but still hold the sixth spot in the Western Conference. Now without star CJ McCollum, the pressure is just as much on Neil Olshey as it is on the roster.

The Blazers are showing a clear lack of quality depth and their offense is set to join their defense in terms of struggles.

We’ve already discussed the Blazers who need to step up with McCollum out, now it’s time to turn our attention to outside solutions. In particular, the trade market.

With the recent rash of injuries, the Portland Trail Blazers may need some outside help to keep their season afloat.

The Portland Trail Blazers don’t need to go star hunting but they must be ready to make difficult decisions. The team’s best assets (aside from picks) are Anfernee Simons, Nassir Little, and Rodney Hood. Players that the team and many fans want to hold on to.

They’re not adding quality players though, unless they’re adding one or more of those players. It’s made even more difficult though as Hood cannot be traded until February 19th.

By then, McCollum should hopefully be close to making his return but the Blazers will have gone through a month where their roster is incredibly vulnerable.

The team may have to be willing to once again enter the luxury tax, it’s unlikely that they’re able to properly address their needs otherwise.

Once again, they cannot trade Hood before the 19th so while it’s pretty clear the Blazers need to make a move, they certainly shouldn’t rush said move.