Quick: Olshey eyeing buyout and trade market

Some questioned why Olshey didn’t use his full allotment of roster spots in a season when COVID-19 protocol and a rapid-fire schedule could test a team’s depth. The Blazers are carrying 14 players and one two-way player when the league allows 15 and two.

The answer?

He was waiting for this time in the season

Olshey loves to maintain roster flexibility, and he has that as the March 25 deadline approaches. A source says Olshey is eyeing both the buyout market and the trade front to fill the Blazers’ final roster spot with a player who will “unquestionably be in the rotation for the remainder of the season.”


The most likely target will be a wing, and preferably one who can shoot, as teams are more aggressively trapping Lillard to get the ball out of his hands. But wings who can shoot are a commodity, which could push the attention to backup point guard.


Some players who have been rumored to be potential buyout candidates are point guard George Hill, wing Tony Snell, sharpshooter Wayne Ellington and wing Otto Porter Jr., who is a player long desired by Olshey. Big man DeMarcus Cousins was waived last month by Houston, but a source said the Blazers will not consider him.

If the buyout market doesn’t materialize, Olshey will have to consider what he is willing to give up to make a trade happen. His most likely trade chip is Rodney Hood, who is owed $10 million this season, with a non-guaranteed contract at $10 million next season


His other trade chips are his young talent — Trent Jr., Simons, Little, and Harry Giles — all of whom are making less than $2.5 million, making it difficult to piece together a deal of substance. Also, the Blazers don’t have a 2021 first-round pick to offer – it was dealt to Houston as part of the Covington trade.

Adding a second two-way player (Keljin Blevins is the other two-way) is not in the plans, a source said, as the team has little to no use for a player who would simply be a warm body.

https://theathletic.com/2435647/202...s-who-to-pick-up-who-to-play-and-who-to-rest/

 

Otto Porter or George Hill would be nice additions if available. I didn’t realize the trade deadline was coming up. It’ll be interesting to see what, if anything, happens.

 

A bit off topic, but Quick also mentions that the return of Nurk and CJ is a “matter of days, not weeks”

 

I would take either one, but I would argue that we need Hill more. That would be a perfect addition.

 

The most likely target will be a wing, and preferably one who can shoot, as teams are more aggressively trapping Lillard to get the ball out of his hands. But wings who can shoot are a commodity, which could push the attention to backup point guard.

Neil is allergic to big men. But Hill and/or Porter would be terrific additions. I also maintain interest in Ariza if league rules allowed his return to Portland

 

In the same article Quick mentioned that the team has increasingly liked playing roco at center, so I think small ball is in the plans vs certain teams that Kanter isn’t a fit against.

 

According to Marks, Portland can’t sign or trade for Ariza

 

that's a shame.

I'm just really happy to see the team thinking about load management. Terry driving Dame into the ground by playing him 40 mpg on the second night of back to backs was making me cringe. We have a ton of depth, glad to see him finally acknowledge it. I just hope he puts it into practice

 

A lineup of Dame-Trent-DJ-Porter-Roco is pretty damn unique defensively, and we would instantly be more switchable. Also would be a good lineup to to zone with.

Porter used to be an amazing corner three shooter. Adds something offensively as well.

Just don't see typically frugal Chicago willing to buy him out.

 

Chicago would save money if they bought him out. Problem is they’re not that far off a play in spot, so I don’t think they’d buy him out right now.

 

We should just trade Hood and Simons for Hill. He’s under contract next season too.

 

ya but with his injury history, i doubt he would be willing to accept a buyout for much less than he's owed to make it worth their while. then again, his girl works for NBCS NW I believe. If portland is in the running to pick him up, he might take less.

 

Having Porter/Covington at forward spots would be a dream come true. My favourite
trade targets of previous years. Although Otto has been a mess the past 18 months.

Either Otto or Hill would be huge for us if healthy.

 

Both guys would be helpful, for sure. Never understood the Otto Porter hype but it must be me, since everyone likes him so much. I've never paid too much attention to him. Seems like a slightly better Covington who costs a boat load. Hill would be a huge help for Lillard and CJ, exactly what they need at this point.

 

George Hill of a few years ago would have been a great addition, but injuries and virus/social reasons for not wanting to play make him much less desirable now. He seems like he would be more of a distraction than anything, at this point.

 

I am a fan of trading Simons, but not for THAT.

 

Hood Jones and Simons for Barnes. I’m still looking at this deal.

 

Time to close some tabs on the browser

 

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