Shams Charania of The Athletic has reported that the Portland Trail Blazers have shown interest in Aaron Gordon and LaMarcus Aldridge. The Blazers currently sit sixth in the Western Conference with a record of 22 and 16, but have one of the league’s worst defenses, ranking 29th in the NBA.
Portland Trail Blazers are interested in LaMarcus Aldridge, Aaron Gordon
Though they have defensive pieces in Robert Covington and Derrick Jones Jr, the absences of CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic have meant that this team has struggled big time on the defensive end. Negative defenders Anfernee Simons, Carmelo Anthony, and Enes Kanter have all had increased roles in Nurkic and McCollum’s absence, and with Harry Giles also out, Kanter has been the only traditional center on the roster. Adjustments need to be made to the rotation, but they may also need to make trades.
On Monday, Shams Charania of The Athletic published an article detailing the Blazers’ interest in former Blazer Aldridge, who is currently with the San Antonio Spurs, and forward Aaron Gordon of the Orlando Magic.
Aldridge has a mutual agreement to part with the Spurs, via either a buyout or a trade, while the Magic have been struggling with injuries and may look to make moves to clear salary and get younger.
Gordon is a 25-year old power forward under contract for one more year in 2021/22.
Though it’s unclear what sort of offer it would take to get Gordon from the Magic, the Blazers definitely won’t be trading for Aldridge. He has a $24 million deal this year, and the Blazers won’t be giving up that type of filler in any package. The only way they look at him is in a buyout where they can bring him back on the minimum.
These players would upgrade the Blazers’ leaky defense, while also giving them some playoff experience and offense.
We will break down some potential trades over the next few days. The trade deadline is just a few weeks away now.