The Portland Trail Blazers recently shocked the NBA world, trading Norman Powell and Robert Covington to the Los Angeles Clippers. Dealing Powell and Covington per se wasn't shocking, but the package they received in return was.
The Blazers received Eric Bledsoe, Justise Winslow, Keon Johnson, and a 2025 second round pick via the Detroit Pistons. Powell is a valuable player who should have yielded at least a first round pick. Covington can still be a solid role player, so his involvement in the trade should have helped the Blazers get a better offer.
The deal was made to open up cap space to retool the roster around Damian Lillard. He has been the star of the franchise, and the supporting cast has not been enough to make an NBA Finals run. However, Lillard has missed a lot of time this season and could be out for the year.
Anfernee Simons has been the bright spot for the Blazers, as he is having a breakout campaign in his fourth season. Simons is averaging 15.8 points per game while shooting 39.2% from behind the arc. Lillard and Simons could be a great backcourt to build around.
That being said, here is the next trade the Blazers must make before the 2022 NBA trade deadline after their deal with the Clippers.
Next trade Blazers must make
New Orleans Pelicans receive: CJ McCollum
Portland Trail Blazers receive: Josh Hart, Tomas Satoransky, Jaxson Hayes, and 2024 first round pick
The backcourt duo of Lillard and McCollum was lethal offensively for years but was never enough to get to the NBA Finals. While the scoring was elite, the defense was never at a championship level.
This trade frees up cap space as Satoransky is on an expiring deal, while Hart and Hayes are solid young players. The first round pick could also be used in a future move to improve the roster.
Hart is the focal point of this deal, as he is an ideal role player. This season, he is averaging 13.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. Hart makes all the hustle plays and has improved as a scorer throughout his career. He would make a great young wing for the Blazers and fit well next to Lillard.
Hayes could make a solid backup center for the Blazers. He is averaging 8.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per contest.
For the Pelicans, they acquire a great scoring guard in McCollum to pair with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. McCollum is averaging 20.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. He is shooting 43.6% from the field and 38.4% from three-point land. His scoring punch would fit well in the starting lineup next to Ingram, Williamson, Jonas Valanciunas, and Devonte' Graham when fully healthy.
This trade would make sense for both sides and help them retool their rosters. The Blazers would be getting two solid young players, an expiring contract, and draft capital.
While it will be hard to move on from McCollum, it is time. The Blazers have hit their peak with him, and they need to head in a different direction.
Many stars are also set to hit free agency, and a potential target could be restricted free agent Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns. Center Jusuf Nurkic is set to reach free agency, and the Blazers could move on. Ayton would be a promising young center to put next to Lillard.
Follow Us
Subscribe