The Portland Trail Blazers trade with the Indiana Pacers to load up on wing depth
Why this trade works:
The Indiana Pacers would only take this trade if they decide to blow it up and rebuild around Caris LeVert and Domantas Sabonis. If so, the Blazers would be giving them two players under 23-years old that could grow alongside their young core.
Portland would be adding a couple of two-way wings to bolster their bench rotation. Both T.J. Warren and Justin Holiday can create their own shot, space the floor, and play acceptable defense. Holiday can supply a little secondary playmaking as well, and Warren can start for the Blazers when the matchup dictates the need.
There’s a decent chance that another contender can outbid the Blazers for their two wings, but there’s reason to believe they might not. Both Zach Collins and Nassir Little are loaded with potential and are prototype prospects to grow into stars in today’s NBA if given the time, opportunity, and health required.
Warren especially could command a bulkier haul, but the recent stress fracture in his foot and the one year remaining on his contract for 2021-2022 could ward off some potential buyers.
Even if the Blazers had to include an additional first-rounder or another young player, this trade would be the exact sort of move to elevate Portland’s ceiling to true contender status.
The Portland Trail Blazers trade for a backup playmaker and big from the Charlotte Hornets
Why this trade works:
The Charlotte Hornets may believe that they’re a move or two away from serious contention, but the reality is that while LaMelo Ball is a star in the making, the team is best off adding to his young core, rather than going all in on veterans.
Terry Rozier revived his career in 2020-2021 after a disastrously inefficient first-season in Charlotte. Nevertheless, he’s still one of the more overpaid players in the league at this juncture. Rozier would still be a superb addition for the Blazers, as his scoring and playmaking are desperate needs for Portland’s bench.
Bismack Biyombo isn’t much more than a big body at this point, but that big body will still be more useful for Portland’s interior defense than any Blazer not named Jusuf Nurkic.
In return, the Hornets get two versatile young players for Charlotte’s brass to assess as a part of their young core.