NBA Trade Rumors: Trade Priorities For All 30 Teams

Portland Trail Blazers

Addressing the frontcourt needs to be a priority for the Portland Trail Blazers. The future looks bright with guards Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, who have thrived playing together. After LaMarcus Aldridge left in free agency last season, the Blazers appeared to make an impulse signing in Al-Farouq Aminu who has played well for the Blazers. But they can do better.

The emergence of Mason Plumlee and the potential Noah Vonleh has shown is encouraging for the future. Ed Davis has played well as the starting power forward for the Blazers, but he could be a valuable trade asset as the deadline nears. Portland could ideally use a power forward that can stretch the floor, and Thaddeus Young would be a good fit.

With wings Allen Crabbe and Gerald Henderson’s deals expiring after the season, they are also valuable trade assets. But Portland is in a position to make the playoffs, though they’d likely battle against the Warriors, Spurs or Thunder in the first round. The trade deadline for Portland is less predictable than one would think because of their potential playoff berth on the horizon.

Ideally, the Blazers can go after Young or Zach Randolph, if either are made available. Young will have two years left on his contract after this season and Randolph will have on year left. With no real intriguing power forward prospects in free agency, adding a forward may only come by way of a trade.

Portland has plenty of cap flexibility, which bodes well for them with the season’s trade deadline. Henderson, Crabbe and Chris Kaman are the most likely trade targets that are all on expiring deals. Davis is the only player signed beyond this season that may be a likely trade target, unless the Blazers go for broke for a player of Blake Griffin’s caliber.

But the goal for the Blazers is to address the power forward position and add long-term depth on the wings.

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