NBA Free Agency 2017: One trade every team should make

Portland Trail Blazers

Every Portland fan probably knows, deep down in their hearts, that the marriage of their best two players, while exciting and explosive, isn’t conducive to winning — at least without being surrounded by defensive-minded players.

The Trail Blazers were fast and loose last summer, serving up opulent contracts to sub-opulent talent like hotcakes. They’re strapped for cash and need to find the right complements to help them climb the Western Conference pecking order.

Portland created a logjam at center with the draft. Zach Collins is the future and Festus Ezeli is around to soak up minutes. Nurkic was a steal at the deadline and exceptional in his short time wearing black and red, but will demand a hefty paycheck next season — one the Trail Blazers can ill-afford to give him. Boston could use his size and strength in the middle, either off the bench or starting alongside Al Horford.

Jae Crowder is one of the biggest bargains in the league, showing himself to be an invaluable role player over the last few seasons. He’s coming off a down year and now sees a pair of back-to-back No. 3 picks who play his position. His time in Boston might be waning. Finding a new home where he can continue as a starter is best for all involved. The Trail Blazers are parched for someone who can play his level of defense.

Meyers Leonard comes over to fill the tall, goofy, white guy void left by Kelly Olynyk (assuming he doesn’t re-sign). Honestly, if Leonard grows his hair and a beatnik chin beard, I don’t think anyone would notice. Pat Connaughton is included to make the money work. He never sees floor time for the Celtics, but sells a lot of jerseys in the Irish-heavy Boston area where he grew up.