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Portland Trail Blazers: Grading every move of the 2021 off season

By Stevie Cozens

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 26: Ben McLemore #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers releases the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center on April 26, 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 26: Ben McLemore #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers releases the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center on April 26, 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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(Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /

Move #5 – Sign Ben McLemore to a one-year veterans minimum deal

It’s difficult to say whether McCollum will be moved before the NBA’s trade deadline in the new year. Though Lillard has expressed that he doesn’t think this current roster is of championship quality, the Blazers keep a pretty tight-lipped operation going in terms of rumors on trades or player movement.

When considering all the shooting guards the Blazers already have, the signing of Ben McLemore seems like a strange one. He isn’t a great defender and is only 6’3, so playing the three is out of the question.

This is still a smart signing as McLemore is a knockdown shooter, and if McCollum does end up being moved, then the signing is even better. Powell would move to the two as discussed earlier, and then guys like McLemore and Anfernee Simons would back up the two.

Two seasons ago, McLemore was one of their best spot-up shooters in the league, and on the minimum, he can come in and put away from the corners. He is no more than a shooter, but shooting is so important in the NBA.

Grade – C +