NBA rumors: 3 trades the Trail Blazers need to make with the No. 3 pick
By Ian Levy
Trail Blazers trades with the No. 3 pick: 2. Go get OG Anunoby
The Trail Blazers’ interest in OG Anunoby was a big part of trade rumors at the last deadline and assuming the Raptors are willing to entertain offers again, the Blazers can make a compelling one. This package would allow the Raptors to explore sign-and-trade options to get something back for Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. and potentially install a backcourt of the future with Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson with the No. 3 pick. Put that together with Pascal Siakam, Jakob Poeltl, Scottie Barnes, Precious Achiuwa, the No. 23 pick and you have a competitive team with upside.
For the Blazers, they swap Simons for Anunoby an elite two-way wing with versatility at both ends of the floor. Anunoby may not be the self-creator or pure scorer that Simons is but he’s still developing at that end, he’s a dangerous spot-up threat and one of the best wing defenders in the league. Pairing him with Grant and Sharpe gives Portland a long, flexible wing and forward rotation with defensive dynamism and upside to get Lillard back to the playoffs. Throw in Thad Young as a little more veteran depth and it might be as good as Portland can do.