Portland Trail Blazers: 3 trades to make on NBA Draft night

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Larry Nance Jr. #22 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on February 28, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Larry Nance Jr. #22 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on February 28, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
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Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Portland Trail Blazers trade #1 – Derrick Jones Jr. and a future second-round pick for Josh Richardson

Josh Richardson is a 27-year-old wing who is one of the best defenders in the NBA. Standing six-foot-five with a big six-foot-ten wingspan, he currently plays for the Dallas Mavericks.

After some impressive years with the Miami Heat his shooting has dropped off a touch, but he is still an excellent defensive guard. Richardson would usually guard the opposition’s best player and is great at blocking shots or forcing turnovers.

Offensively, he is a strong finisher at the rim and is a career 35.8 shooter from three.

He can play make a little bit as well. Though he didn’t do it a lot on his last two stops, he is a nice secondary creator.

On the Blazers, he could be a nice fit as a starting small forward if CJ McCollum was traded.

Norman Powell re-signing and then a potential CJ trade could push Powell back to his natural two-guard spot.

For the Mavericks, they could bring in Jones Jr who would right away be a lob threat for Luka Doncic, giving Luka more of an off-ball player to function alongside.

Richardson’s value is slightly depressed, but the Blazers would still have to send a second-round pick in the deal.