Portland Trail Blazers: 5 damage control big man trades
Rob Ryan
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Trade Idea #2 – Cleveland
Derrick Jones Jr., Anfernee Simons, and Zach Collins to the Cleveland Cavaliers for JaVale McGee and Larry Nance Jr.
How does this trade help Portland?
Javale Mcghee is a good defender who can step in right away as either starting or backup center. Larry Nance Jr. adds another veteran who can play power forward. In turn, Covington can return to small forward, where he is more effective. Nance Jr is a capable defender who, like PJ Tucker, converts the triple at a high percentage.
How does this trade help Cleveland?
Cleveland gets some young players with potential in Simons and DJJ, who can better fit with the team’s younger nucleus. Zach Collins serves as $5M in cap relief for this trade if the Cavs decide not to offer him an extension.
Trade Idea #3 – Washington
Rodney Hood and a second-round pick to the Washington Wizards for Robin Lopez and Raul Neto.
How does this trade help Portland?
The Portland Trail Blazers bring back an old ally and mascot rival in Lopez. He gives Portland a solid backup center familiar with the system and has improved his three-point shooting in recent years. Neto is a solid veteran who can eat some backup point guard minutes. He’s also shooting the ball at a high percentage this year.
How does this trade help Washington?
Washington takes a flier on Rodney Hood. If he can return to form from his Achillies injury and have an impact, it’s a big win. If not, the Wizards can walk away. Washington also gains an asset with the second-round pick.
Next: Page 3 – Some big pickups
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