Rip City Project
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3 former Portland Trail Blazers we want back on the team

By Joe Capraro

Aug 9, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers is pressured by Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 09, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers is pressured by Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 09, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Portland Trail Blazers, Anfernee Simons, Gary Trent Jr., NBA trade deadline
Jan 23, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) passes the ball over Toronto Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. (33) in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Recent departure Gary Trent Jr. is flourishing with the Toronto Raptors

Though it seems like many years ago, it was just last March 25 that the Blazers sent Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood to Toronto for Norman Powell. Trent, whose father Gary Sr. played for the Blazers from 1995 through 1998, has started all but three games for the Raptors and seems to be settling in well.

He’s putting up career bests in nearly every statistical category, including averages of 33.7 minutes,16.2 points, 2 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 14.4 shots attempted per game. It’s safe to say he’s happy with the expanded role he’s been given by the Raptors, but he also expressed sadness at being traded last year.

The Blazers are overloaded at shooting guard at the moment, but are expected to move two of their four top backcourt players soon. And Trent is still a young proven performer with a team-friendly contract through 2024, so he could be moved by the Raptors next season or summer.

The Blazers won’t be getting Trent back that soon, but his tenacity and shooting ability would always be welcome, and a backcourt of Anfernee Simons and Trent could take the Blazers into the next decade – with or without Damian Lillard.