Portland Trail Blazers: 3-team trade for Kyle Anderson and Dillon Brooks

Why this trade works for the Portland Trail Blazers

As previously mentioned, Kyle Anderson and Dillon Brooks would fill a lot of holes for the Blazers. Many people may think that this is a lopsided trade and that CJ McCollum is too great of an asset to give up for two lesser known players.

This is a fallacy, however. While McCollum is a great scorer, his age and other weaknesses significantly lower his trade value on the market. Jason Quick of the Athletic has speculated that the Blazers appraise CJ’s worth much higher than teams interested in him.

In addition, this move would make the Blazers significantly better overall. They’d be a more complete team on both offense and defense. McCollum’s scoring ability is elite, but it’s not irreplaceable. Increased opportunity for Norman Powell and the substitution of Brooks into the starting lineup would more than cover the losses.

Last season, the 25 year old averaged 17.2 points on 42 percent shooting from the field and 34 percent from deep. His efficiency should climb playing next to an elite offensive force in Damian Lillard.

Brooks also happens to be 6’7, a more standard size to play and guard the small forward position. Phasing from CJ and Norm on the wings to Norm and Brooks is an upgrade on defense that cannot be overstated.

This trade would also add two playmakers to flesh out the Blazers bench. Anderson is a fantastic positional defender despite his “Slo Mo” moniker. He also shot 36 percent from deep while averaging 16.3 points and 4.8 assists per 36-minutes last season. A reserve unit featuring playoff Rajon Rondo, Anfernee Simons, Tony Snell, Anderson, and Cody Zeller is a legitimate championship caliber bench, something the Blazers will not have otherwise. The likely 2022 lottery pick is a perfect cherry on top.