Kyle Anderson is the perfect sixth man for the Portland Trail Blazers
By Andy Quach
The Portland Trail Blazers should be extremely interested in landing both wings that have been reportedly made available by the Memphis Grizzlies: Dillon Brooks and Kyle Anderson. I’ve outlined a three-team trade that would bring both veterans to Rip City and create a whole new dynamic for the Blazers.
For the sake of continuity though—an emphasis point of General Manager Neil Olshey’s, who seems hellbent on keeping the starting five he brought into the Blazers first-round loss together—Dillon Brooks would likely be unattainable without selling off too much of Portland’s future assets.
Kyle Anderson on the other hand, seems more of a realistic target. While landing the point forward wouldn’t exactly be a blockbuster trade, it is a move that could drastically improve both the Blazers depth and ceiling. The former UCLA Bruin would fill a lot of holes on Portland’s roster and is a perfect fit to lead their bench.
Kyle Anderson should be the Portland Trail Blazers main trade target in the early 2021-2022 season
1. Kyle Anderson’s price tag is should fit right in Portland’s budget
Since Anderson isn’t on the same level as Brooks as a prospect, being two years older with more limitations on offense, he should cost much less on the trade market.
A flier of a young player and a non-lottery first-round pick should do the trick.
In this trade, the Memphis Grizzlies land a 23 year old, uber-athletic forward who should fit the newly remodeled “Grit-and-Grind” style. Derrick Jones Jr. certainly has holes in his game, but those weaknesses are clearly identified and fixable with the right coaxing.
His defensive versatility should fill the “Slo Mo” shaped hole left by Anderson’s departure. On offense, DJJ’s speed at his position and ability to finish lobs will make him a perfect running mate next to superstar point guard Ja Morant.
If Jones Jr. doesn’t work out in Memphis, his one-year deal expires after the season, clearing nearly $10 million in cap space for the Grizz.
They also add an extra first-round pick to their growing arsenal to help accelerate their already budding rebuild.