Per Evan Massey, the Portland Trail Blazers and Washington Wizards have discussed a trade centered around Kristaps Porzingis and the 3rd overall pick in the draft. Porzingis has a $36 million player option that is becoming more likely that he'll pick up.
Wizards
The Wizards are rebuilding their roster with their new front office in place. They are also fielding offers for their star guard Bradley Beal. It would be a huge get if Washington could acquire the 3rd overall pick.
They would get the chance to draft Scoot Henderson or Brandon Miller (depending on who the Charlotte Hornets take at 2). The Wizards would also take on Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson in this deal to make salaries match.
Henderson or Miller would help them build them start their rebuild. Both players are talented and could be building blocks for a young core.
Trail Blazers
Porzingis would be a win-now acquisition for Portland as they build around Damian Lillard. The 27-year-old big man averaged 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 blocks across 65 games this season. He shot 49.8 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three.
Porzingis would give Lillard an elite center around him. He is a good scorer that can space the floor exceptionally well. He can also protect the paint with his shot-blocking ability.
However, they would need a plan to continue upgrading the roster. Lillard and Porzingis, as the centerpieces, wouldn't be enough to compete for a title. Giving up the 3rd pick for him would be a lot for Porzingis, even though he's a talented player.
Porzingis could be a good fit for the Blazers, but the 3rd pick is a lot to give up. Trading a future first-rounder would make much more sense for Portland. A pick swap could also be an option, where the Blazers acquire Porzingis and the 8th pick for the 3rd pick, Nurkic, Little, and Johnson. That is unlikely, as the Wizards would likely want more in that deal.
Portland could also send Anfernee Simons in the deal for Porzingis. Simons and the 3rd pick for Porzingis, and the 8th pick is another option.
For Washington, if they can make a deal for the 3rd pick happen, they should go for it. On the other hand, the Blazers should be cautious, as the 3rd pick is very valuable. Porzingis would be a good fit, but he isn't enough for them to compete for a title. They would have to have other moves in line to be willing to trade the 3rd overall pick for him.
The Blazers and Wizards find themselves in a decision point for their franchises. Washington looks like they will be hitting the reset button, while Portland could be committing to Lillard once again.
Porzingis will be a name to monitor this week as the NBA Draft approaches on Thursday.
Comments