Rip City Project
Fansided

5 Trades for role players that could help the Blazers become contenders

By Rowan Kent

Mar 24, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1), left, center Jusuf Nurkic (27) and guard Damian Lillard (0) sit on the bench during in street clothes during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1), left, center Jusuf Nurkic (27) and guard Damian Lillard (0) sit on the bench during in street clothes during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Norman Powell, Los Angeles Clippers – Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Norman Powell, Los Angeles Clippers – Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Trade #3:

After four straight years of injured disappointment at the behest of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Los Angeles Clippers will likely look to retool their roster around their snake-bitten stars to stay in the upper echelon of title contention.

They have significant needs at center and point guard, both of which are slots the Blazers could offer to fill.

Cutting down on the bigger salaries on the team while acquiring two starter level players in Simons and Nurkic could be the breath of fresh air that it needs to best support its star wings. Similarly, the Blazers are in desperate need of wings that can move the winning needle for them, which the Clippers have in spades.

Nabbing Ivica Zubac is a great way to get more of a traditional center who can guard the rim and set hard screens for the team. Alongside his addition, having three new wings who can play next to Lillard in a variety of lineups is a great boon.

Plus, it’s always fun to have a reunion acquisition like Normal Powell or Nic Batum.

Putting Powell next to Lillard, Sharpe,  Grant, and Zubac would give Portland a stout defensive lineup that has enough shooters to keep up the offensive efficiency. With Mann and Batum ready to buoy the bench as well, this trade with a Western Conference rival could propel the Blazers right back into title contention next year.