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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
Patty Mills, San Antonio Spurs (Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports) /

Without McCollum, the offensive load will fall on Gary Trent Jr and of course, Damian Lillard. A little help would go a long way for both of the Portland Trail Blazers and if there’s one thing Patty Mills is known for, it’s providing an offensive spark.

The 12-year vet has been one of the most consistent bench contributors for over a decade. Mills does a wonderful job not only scoring, but doing so efficiently.

Including this season, Mills has shot at least 37 percent from three in each of the past six seasons. On top of that, He’s a career 39.2 percent  shooter from beyond the arc. He thrives in an off-ball role but can take over the offense when Lillard needs a breather.

This deal includes Hood so it cannot be completed until after Feb 18th but Mills would be worth the wait. What’s difficult to swallow is giving up on Little’s potential. Little has plenty of room to grow and at 20 years old, time is on his side.

Regardless though, you cannot get “something for nothing” so the Blazers would be sacrificing a bit of future potential but would be receiving not only one of the top bench options in the league but one of its’ best leaders.

Mills has a clear role and thrives in it. He won’t help the Blazers’ defensive woes but he can at least help the offense. Mills would provide a big boost in his second stint in Portland (drafted 55th overall by the Blazers in the 2009 NBA Draft).

The addition of Tre Jones will get lost in the shuffle but he could offset the future loss the Blazers would face in trading Little. The 21-year-old guard will likely never be a star or even a starter but he has quality role-player potential.

Defensive-minded with an ability to handle the rock, the NBA will always need players like Jones. If he can develop to be even a 33 percent shooter from three, Jones could become a nice piece for the Blazers like his brother Tyus is for the Grizzlies.

Certainly, the focal point of the trade though is Mills who would thrive with the Blazers now with or without a healthy CJ McCollum.

Patty Mills could end up as a one-year rental but considering his level of play, he could definitely be worth it.