The Portland Trail Blazers were engulfed by drama after the firing of general manager Neil Olshey. NBA insiders are expecting more change with the Portland, this time in terms of their personnel. Amid trade rumors, center Jusuf Nurkic and forward Robert Covington are the two Blazers players most likely to be dealt, per Bleacher Report.

When Blazers fans hear that statement, the first two players they think of are stars Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. However, this report seems to indicate that Portland wants to keep the strength of their core intact while exploring deals for key role players, such as Jusuf Nurkic and Robert Covington.

Both Nurkic and Covington could fetch a decent return from another NBA team. Nurkic, 27, has blossomed into a sneaky-good center while in Portland, with career averages of 14.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game in six seasons in Rip City. Nurkic would be a nice acquisition for a center-needy team, such as the Milwaukee Bucks.

Covington, a talented and versatile defender, could also be of interest to contending teams. The 30-year-old has fallen out of favor in Portland's rotation, playing the fewest minutes per game since he arrived with the team.

However, he remains one of the most versatile players in the league, as he's averaged at least one made three-pointer, one block and one steal per game. Covington could help to quickly improve a defensively challenged team, such as the Los Angeles Lakers, if Portland would be willing to deal him within their own conference.

While it's a rumor, Portland seems unlikely to go for a major roster shake-up at this point, as evidenced by their reported interest in deals involving Jusuf Nurkic and Robert Covington. Time will tell if that's a good strategy- or if Portland will look to trade one of their stars instead.