NBA Transaction Window Options For Portland

It’s day three into the Transaction window set by the NBA to allow teams to fill roster spots, replace players, and waive players to get ready for the resumption of the 2019-20 season in Orlando.

The window started Tuesday the 23rd of June and ends the following Tuesday the 30th. That is 7 days for teams to get things in order. Some teams have already taken advantage of the window and made moves.

The Clippers signed center Joakim Noah for the remainder of the season. The Kings picked up Corey Brewer. The Rockets waived Isaiah Hartenstein and quickly brought in David Nwaba.

The Grizzlies decided to resign Anthony Tolliver while the Nets scored up the vacancy left by Irving by coming to terms with Tyler Johnson. Tyler Zeller signed with the Spurs to replace injured LaMarcus Aldridge. The Mavericks replaced Willie Cauley-Stein with Trey Burke.

DeMarcus Cousins was at first certain that he would forgo the return of the season Disney World to continue rehabilitation of his ACL injury and come back full force next season.

J.R. Smith seems to be the Lakers top choice to replace Avery Bradley who opted out of Orlando.

On Portland’s front things have been quiet. Trevor Ariza announced he would not be playing in Orlando just before the transaction window open. The Blazers can fill his spot, plus they have an extra roster spot after trading away Skal Labissiere to the Hawks at the trade deadline in Febuary.

Filling these roster spots will not account against the Blazers salary cap. They are over the luxury tax line, so that is very beneficial to them. They should and will probably use the window to make a move or two.

But, who should the Blazers go after? Who is available? With Ariza out, the Blazers should first look to replace him with a wing who can pull defenders off Dame and CJ.

Gerald Green:

While Green may not be the best answer for Portland’s lackadaisical defense, snd is no lock down defender, he can guard multiple positions and help the Blazers on the other end of the floor.

Known for his flying dunks he can be a match for Portland’s offense on the fast break or he stretch opponents defense with his three point shooting. He shot 35% from far with the Rockets before breaking his foot.

His high energy caliber of play would fit well with Portland.

Jamal Crawford:

Crawford might be 40, but he still has gas in the tank. He has been staying in shape all year waiting for a chance to return to the NBA. The 3x 6th man of the year could be just what the Blazers need. He scored 51 points in his last game for the phoenix Suns.

Though, he did have a volatile tenure in Portland, helping lead an insurrection against then coach Nate Mcmillian. But, hey bygones are bygones right?

Iman Shumpert:

Shumpert can help the Blazers on the defensive end of the floor, which they could surely use. He has the versatility to play multiple positions.

His shooting percentage from distance has fallen over the past few years. He is shooting 33% from three for his career, but shot only 24% this past season with the Nets in a short tenure there.

Maybe he can pull that back up with Portland. He does bring valuable championship experience.

Joe Johnson:

Johnson was last seen in training camp with the Pistons and was waived before the start of the 2019-20 NBA campaign.
Even though the Pistons counted him out, he is still on team radars for the transaction window.

The 38 year old 7x All star is a savvy seasoned veteran. He has plenty of playoff experience, making the postseason 13 times in his 20 year career.

He is a 37% shooter from distance for his career and would like to add a ring to his accolades. If the Blazers want someone dependable, Joe is their guy.

Nick Young:

Young could bring veteran presence as well as championship experience to Portland. He won a ring back in 2017-18 with the Warriors. He wants another one.

Swaggy P can be a productive contributor for the Blazers. He is a fluid, energetic player who can help to increase movement on the floor. While he is not the young young(see what I did there) he still has what it takes to help a team like the Blazers make a playoff push.

Ryan Broekhoff:

While Broekhoff is not a high impact player in two seasons with the Mavericks he shot over 40% from three.

He could fit well in Stotts system which covers shooting from distance. Broekhoff could help stretch opponent defenses and keep them honest when they try to employ double teams on Lillard and McCollum.

Allen Crabbe:

Crabbe knows the Blazers system well as he played with Portland for 4 years before bouncing around to the Nets, Hawks, and Timberwolves. Minnesota waived him shortly after trading for him.

While often hurt Portland on defense he was a clutch three point shooter for them, shooting a career best 44% from distance.

That percentage dropped dramatically in Minnesota. In 9 games played he shot a terrible 23% from three. A return to Portland however could revitalize his shot.

Luc Mbah a Moute:

Moute is a lock down defender a service the Blazers need terribly, and more so with Ariza out. He is a versatile defender able to guard across multiple positions which makes him more valuable.

Moute can provide scoring but is a limited offensive player. He shoots 33% from distance for his career but his percentage has fluctuated.

But, if anyone can help Portland’s defense improve in Orlando it’s this guy.

Isaiah Thomas:

If the Blazers elect to move Gary Trent Jr to the three, they could use some bolstering at guard. Trent typically backs up CJ and Dame with Anfernee Simon’s, but on occasion the Blazers have played Trent at the 3.

The former all star Thomas had a good year with Washington where he played starting point guard a year after being forgotten in Denver.

He shot 41% from distance and was one of the Wizards leading scorers before he was traded to the Clippers at the deadline and was ultimately waived.

He could be a solid addition to the Blazers roster.

Isiah Hartenstein:

Though the Blazers are solid in the front court, they could use a back up big man in case something happens in Orlando. If one of Whiteside, Nurkic, Collins, or Melo go out, they will be left with a very young Moses Brown and Caleb Swanigan. Hartenstein can provide depth.

The center from Oregon can be worthy insurance for the Blazers. Hartenstein is a hardworking, fluid big man who can run the court. He can help Portland around the rim and against defenders in the paint as well as closing out on the arc.

Ryan Anderson:

Anderson was rumored to be headed to Portland a few seasons ago. He would fit well in Stotts system and can space the floor and shoot threes like nobodies business. He would get plenty of opportunities too with Dame opening up the floor. Anderson shoots lights out from distance with a career 38% from the arc.

Let’s not beat around the bush, his defense is atrocious and his rebounding is questionable, but he could be a decent insurance policy.

Dragan Bender/Marquese Chriss:

Bender and Chriss are two young players who have not reached their potentials. They are the diamond in the ruff type players Neil Olshey likes to go after. Young high draft picks who perhaps just need another chance and the right system.

They have both have chances albeit short ones to try and prove themselves and they have both fallen short. But, there is some shine still left.