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http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2018/01/nba_rumors_trail_blazers_trades.html
The trade deadline is only a month away, which brings the playoff picture more into focus in both conferences. Teams making a push for the postseason will look to add pieces as the trade rumors heat up. What do you think the Portland Trail Blazers should do? Do you think Neil Olshey will be aggressive before the deadline? Here's a look at some of the players who might be available before the cutoff at noon Pacific time on Feb. 8.
Tyson Chandler, PF, Phoenix Suns
Tyson Chander has been the subject of trade rumors since early in the season as the Suns have been trying to sort out their priorities. The veteran former No. 2 pick (2001) has been a mentor for the team's younger centers. He's owed nearly $13.6 million this season and he has one more season on his contract. For the Blazers, Chandler could be a solid tutor to younger players and offers important minutes, especially given his experience.
Tyreke Evans, G/F, Memphis Grizzlies
Tyreke Evans is on a one-year deal with the Grizzlies and coach J.B. Bickerstaff admits he's on a mission "and not a personal mission." Which means Evans is ready to help wherever he lands. He's averaging 19.1 points per game and has been called "an ideal bench scorer," which might be a perfect fit for the Blazers.
Nikola Mirotic, PF, Chicago Bulls
The Bulls were 3-20 before Nikola Mirotic returned to the lineup after his facial injury and the drama that's surrounded it. Since he's been back, they've won 10 of 15 games, including a recent seven-game winning streak. That's given him a big boost in the trade market. He has a no-trade clause which he's said he's willing to waive if he can land in the right spot. Could Portland be that spot?
Marco Belinelli, G/F, Atlanta Hawks
Marco Belinelli, who will be an unrestricted free agent after this season, has been making the most of his contract year, averaging 12 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game shooting with 40 percent from three-point range. The Italian national has said he'd like a two- to three-year contract at his next stop, and he could be a relatively inexpensive pickup to add depth for the Blazers.
Marc Gasol, C, Memphis Grizzlies
Attach the word "blockbuster" to any deal involving Marc Gasol, which might take the Blazers right out of the market. But a Gasol-to-Portland move would be splashy and light up a team mired in a moribund season. Gasol, 33, has two years and $50 million (including a player option in the final year) left on his contract after this season. A move now likely is better than later. He's not getting any younger.
Lou Williams, G, LA Clippers
Lou Williams becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season and the former Sixth Man of the Year candidate been the subject of trade rumors linking him to several teams (although not specifically with Portland). He has scored 30 points or more seven times this season and is known to be stellar on isolation plays, creating his own chances. He shoots well from the perimeter Yes, this is a "nerd"take on his situation, but there you go.
Julius Randle, C/PF, LA Lakers
So, is Julius Randle actually trade bait or his he going to be one of the Lakers' building blocks? If Magic Johnson and company decide to move him the Blazers could look at his efficiency (21.1 points, 10.5 rebounds in 36 minutes), his improved defense and the speed and playmaking advantages he has against bigger players.
Jordan Clarkson, G, LA Lakers
Jordan Clarkson, set to earn $12.5 million and $13.4 million over the next two years, is no stranger to trade rumors as the Lakers look to clear cap space. He has helped the team win games, averaging 13.8 points on 46.2 percent shooting early this season, even as he deals with a shooting slump at the moment.
Javale McGee, C, Golden State Warriors
JaVale McGee re-signed with the Warriors this past summer on a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum. He will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and he's made it clear his unhappy with both the minimum and with his eight minutes per game as former Oregon Ducks forward Jordan Bell impresses in his rookie season.
Jared Dudley, F, Phoenix Suns
Do the Blazers need a reliable three-point shooter? If so, maybe they should take a look at Jared Dudley, a 10-year NBA veteran. At 6-foot-7, Dudley can defend multiple positions, including opposing shooting guards, players on the wing and power forwards. He's in the second year of a three-year deal with Phoenix.
Jabari Parker, F, Milwaukee Bucks
The big question is whether the Bucks want to deal the injury-prone Jabari Parker. If they do, and he successfully rehabs after his second knee injury in three years, Parker (a former No. 2 pick) could develop into an elite and versatile weapon for the Blazers considering his quickness paired with a 6-foot-8 frame. Last season, he played in 51 games, averaging 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and one steal in 33.9 minutes per game.
Hassan Whiteside, C, Miami Heat
If the Blazers are really in the trade market for a big man, they could take a long look at Hassan Whiteside. While he's been out for the Heat due to injury, Bam Adebayo has worked his way into Miami's rotation and the rookie continues to progress. Whiteside, 28, has been a bit fragile, but the Blazers could use a guy with a competitive attitude who led the league in blocked shots in 2015-16 and in rebounding last season. This season, in the second year of a four-year, $98 million deal (a trade factor) he's averaging 14.3 points and 12.2 rebounds per game and is a strong defender. Also, don't forget that following his free agency, Whiteside admitted that Portland was his second option to signing with the Heat. Would he still be interested in joining Lillard & Co. in Rip City?
Demarcus Cousins, F/C, New Orleans Pelicans
Cousins might want to test free agency this summer, but if New Orleans really wants to push to make the playoffs -- the Pelicans are hovering around the final playoff spot in the Western Conference -- don't expect DeMarcus Cousins to be moved. Averaging 26.2 points on 47.9 percent shooting from the field, along with 12.5 rebounds, a career-high 5.2 assists, and 1.5 blocks, he would give the Blazers instant credibility. But he would also likely come at a steep cost with no guarantee of re-signing with the Blazers.
DeAndre Jordan, C, LA Clippers
DeAndre Jordan will be a free agent this summer and trade talk was heating up earlier in the season. Even if it's died down some as the Clippers have stayed afloat in the Western Conference, it hasn't completely gone away. Jordan, who has spent his entire 10-year career with the Clippers, is averaging 11.1 points and 15.1 rebounds. He definitely could help the Blazers in the middle and would look pretty good catching lobs from Lillard and/or McCollum.
Dario Saric, PF, Philadelphia 76ers
Dario Saric, in the second season of a three-year deal, is averaging 13.6 points and 7 rebounds in 30 minutes per game and is a legitimate double-double threat. He can create for others, is solid in the open court and crashes the glass. At 23, he could give the Blazers youth, versatility and energy at a key position. But what would it cost Portland to acquire the talented youngster?
Anthony Davis, PF, New Orleans Pelicans
The Blazers could make a run at him but likely don’t have enough assets to make a serious bid for Anthony Davis, who is in the second season of a five-year, $127,171,313 deal. Even if the Blazers did have the right players to make that trade, it would likely involve giving up one or more of the franchise pillars in Lillard, McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic among other assets. The Celtics probably are the only team in the NBA with enough to bring him in if Pelicans GM Dell Demps is brave enough to put him back on the trade block. And soon, if the Pelicans let DeMarcus Cousins go in a trade.
Looking ahead
The Blazers could make a major move ahead of the deadline or stick with the roster they have. Looking ahead, the free-agent market in 2018 is expected to be much tighter than in past years when the boost in the salary cap saw tremendous spending from teams. The 2018 draft is loaded with power forwards and centers, which plays right into Portland's needs, but are those players immediate impact guys? Damian Lillard, 27, and CJ McCollum, 26, are entering their prime years, which the Blazers can't afford to waste. They need players on this roster who are ready to contribute now, so after essentially striking out in free agency, President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey is under pressure to make some moves and do so quickly.
Do you think the Blazers should try to pull off a big deal? Should they stick with what they have and roll the dice with free agency and the draft? Is there one particular player they should target?
Let us know what you think the team needs to do.
The trade deadline is only a month away, which brings the playoff picture more into focus in both conferences. Teams making a push for the postseason will look to add pieces as the trade rumors heat up. What do you think the Portland Trail Blazers should do? Do you think Neil Olshey will be aggressive before the deadline? Here's a look at some of the players who might be available before the cutoff at noon Pacific time on Feb. 8.
Tyson Chandler, PF, Phoenix Suns
Tyson Chander has been the subject of trade rumors since early in the season as the Suns have been trying to sort out their priorities. The veteran former No. 2 pick (2001) has been a mentor for the team's younger centers. He's owed nearly $13.6 million this season and he has one more season on his contract. For the Blazers, Chandler could be a solid tutor to younger players and offers important minutes, especially given his experience.
Tyreke Evans, G/F, Memphis Grizzlies
Tyreke Evans is on a one-year deal with the Grizzlies and coach J.B. Bickerstaff admits he's on a mission "and not a personal mission." Which means Evans is ready to help wherever he lands. He's averaging 19.1 points per game and has been called "an ideal bench scorer," which might be a perfect fit for the Blazers.
Nikola Mirotic, PF, Chicago Bulls
The Bulls were 3-20 before Nikola Mirotic returned to the lineup after his facial injury and the drama that's surrounded it. Since he's been back, they've won 10 of 15 games, including a recent seven-game winning streak. That's given him a big boost in the trade market. He has a no-trade clause which he's said he's willing to waive if he can land in the right spot. Could Portland be that spot?
Marco Belinelli, G/F, Atlanta Hawks
Marco Belinelli, who will be an unrestricted free agent after this season, has been making the most of his contract year, averaging 12 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game shooting with 40 percent from three-point range. The Italian national has said he'd like a two- to three-year contract at his next stop, and he could be a relatively inexpensive pickup to add depth for the Blazers.
Marc Gasol, C, Memphis Grizzlies
Attach the word "blockbuster" to any deal involving Marc Gasol, which might take the Blazers right out of the market. But a Gasol-to-Portland move would be splashy and light up a team mired in a moribund season. Gasol, 33, has two years and $50 million (including a player option in the final year) left on his contract after this season. A move now likely is better than later. He's not getting any younger.
Lou Williams, G, LA Clippers
Lou Williams becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season and the former Sixth Man of the Year candidate been the subject of trade rumors linking him to several teams (although not specifically with Portland). He has scored 30 points or more seven times this season and is known to be stellar on isolation plays, creating his own chances. He shoots well from the perimeter Yes, this is a "nerd"take on his situation, but there you go.
Julius Randle, C/PF, LA Lakers
So, is Julius Randle actually trade bait or his he going to be one of the Lakers' building blocks? If Magic Johnson and company decide to move him the Blazers could look at his efficiency (21.1 points, 10.5 rebounds in 36 minutes), his improved defense and the speed and playmaking advantages he has against bigger players.
Jordan Clarkson, G, LA Lakers
Jordan Clarkson, set to earn $12.5 million and $13.4 million over the next two years, is no stranger to trade rumors as the Lakers look to clear cap space. He has helped the team win games, averaging 13.8 points on 46.2 percent shooting early this season, even as he deals with a shooting slump at the moment.
Javale McGee, C, Golden State Warriors
JaVale McGee re-signed with the Warriors this past summer on a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum. He will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and he's made it clear his unhappy with both the minimum and with his eight minutes per game as former Oregon Ducks forward Jordan Bell impresses in his rookie season.
Jared Dudley, F, Phoenix Suns
Do the Blazers need a reliable three-point shooter? If so, maybe they should take a look at Jared Dudley, a 10-year NBA veteran. At 6-foot-7, Dudley can defend multiple positions, including opposing shooting guards, players on the wing and power forwards. He's in the second year of a three-year deal with Phoenix.
Jabari Parker, F, Milwaukee Bucks
The big question is whether the Bucks want to deal the injury-prone Jabari Parker. If they do, and he successfully rehabs after his second knee injury in three years, Parker (a former No. 2 pick) could develop into an elite and versatile weapon for the Blazers considering his quickness paired with a 6-foot-8 frame. Last season, he played in 51 games, averaging 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and one steal in 33.9 minutes per game.
Hassan Whiteside, C, Miami Heat
If the Blazers are really in the trade market for a big man, they could take a long look at Hassan Whiteside. While he's been out for the Heat due to injury, Bam Adebayo has worked his way into Miami's rotation and the rookie continues to progress. Whiteside, 28, has been a bit fragile, but the Blazers could use a guy with a competitive attitude who led the league in blocked shots in 2015-16 and in rebounding last season. This season, in the second year of a four-year, $98 million deal (a trade factor) he's averaging 14.3 points and 12.2 rebounds per game and is a strong defender. Also, don't forget that following his free agency, Whiteside admitted that Portland was his second option to signing with the Heat. Would he still be interested in joining Lillard & Co. in Rip City?
Demarcus Cousins, F/C, New Orleans Pelicans
Cousins might want to test free agency this summer, but if New Orleans really wants to push to make the playoffs -- the Pelicans are hovering around the final playoff spot in the Western Conference -- don't expect DeMarcus Cousins to be moved. Averaging 26.2 points on 47.9 percent shooting from the field, along with 12.5 rebounds, a career-high 5.2 assists, and 1.5 blocks, he would give the Blazers instant credibility. But he would also likely come at a steep cost with no guarantee of re-signing with the Blazers.
DeAndre Jordan, C, LA Clippers
DeAndre Jordan will be a free agent this summer and trade talk was heating up earlier in the season. Even if it's died down some as the Clippers have stayed afloat in the Western Conference, it hasn't completely gone away. Jordan, who has spent his entire 10-year career with the Clippers, is averaging 11.1 points and 15.1 rebounds. He definitely could help the Blazers in the middle and would look pretty good catching lobs from Lillard and/or McCollum.
Dario Saric, PF, Philadelphia 76ers
Dario Saric, in the second season of a three-year deal, is averaging 13.6 points and 7 rebounds in 30 minutes per game and is a legitimate double-double threat. He can create for others, is solid in the open court and crashes the glass. At 23, he could give the Blazers youth, versatility and energy at a key position. But what would it cost Portland to acquire the talented youngster?
Anthony Davis, PF, New Orleans Pelicans
The Blazers could make a run at him but likely don’t have enough assets to make a serious bid for Anthony Davis, who is in the second season of a five-year, $127,171,313 deal. Even if the Blazers did have the right players to make that trade, it would likely involve giving up one or more of the franchise pillars in Lillard, McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic among other assets. The Celtics probably are the only team in the NBA with enough to bring him in if Pelicans GM Dell Demps is brave enough to put him back on the trade block. And soon, if the Pelicans let DeMarcus Cousins go in a trade.
Looking ahead
The Blazers could make a major move ahead of the deadline or stick with the roster they have. Looking ahead, the free-agent market in 2018 is expected to be much tighter than in past years when the boost in the salary cap saw tremendous spending from teams. The 2018 draft is loaded with power forwards and centers, which plays right into Portland's needs, but are those players immediate impact guys? Damian Lillard, 27, and CJ McCollum, 26, are entering their prime years, which the Blazers can't afford to waste. They need players on this roster who are ready to contribute now, so after essentially striking out in free agency, President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey is under pressure to make some moves and do so quickly.
Do you think the Blazers should try to pull off a big deal? Should they stick with what they have and roll the dice with free agency and the draft? Is there one particular player they should target?
Let us know what you think the team needs to do.
