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3 trades to make the Portland Trail Blazers instant contenders

By Stevie Cozens

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 22: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans controls the ball against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on April 22, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 22: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans controls the ball against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on April 22, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /
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The Portland Trail Blazers are in urgent need of an upgrade on their roster. After many first-round exits and just one conference finals appearance in the last 20 seasons, they are flagging. Superstar Damian Lillard just hasn’t been surrounded with the type of talent that fits with him, and he is now impatient with the strategy and direction of the team.

Which 3 trades could the Portland Trail Blazers make to turn them into instant contenders?

Portland Trail Blazers Trade #1 – CJ McCollum for Tobias Harris

With the likely re-signing of Norman Powell and the massive growth of young guard Anfernee Simons in 2021, the time is right to move CJ McCollum.

Though it would be sad to see one of the Trail Blazers greatest shooters exit, the skill replication between him and Lillard means a trade makes sense. The Blazers need for different looks and the ability to have someone score inside and out means that Tobias Harris of the Philadelphia 76ers would be a nice fit.

There aren’t many players in the league who can score like Harris can, at six-foot-sight.

Still only 28-years-old, he has the same amount of years left that McCollum does on his deal, but he is one year younger.

Harris game is predicated on a steady diet of mid-range shots and three-pointers. He has a great in-between game and can stroke it from the corners or the top of the key. Harris is one of the best mid-range shooters at his position.

Alternating between the forward positions he is a strong rebounder who can crash the offensive glass for putbacks or get his team extra positions.

Harris is also an excellent passer, and with a strong 226-pound frame, he can kick if he draws doubles in the post. Though he isn’t a strong defender, he has improved his rim protection numbers the past few years and he is an excellent defensive rebounder.

In terms of fit, he would slide seamlessly in at the four spot next to Jusuf Nurkic, and his passing ability would mean the Blazers wouldn’t lose any creation with McCollum leaving.

For the Sixers, they would get the shot creation and spacing they so desperately need at the guard spot next to Joel Embiid. The salaries work, and with the Blazers taking on slightly more money, I don’t think there is a need for either side to attach assets.