Portland Trail Blazers Rumors: Blazers urged to move for Kevin Love, Anfernee Simons could be traded and more

The Portland Trail Blazers have been among the NBA's most consistent teams over the past decade. The Blazers have qualified for the playoffs in each of the past six seasons, and after finishing the 2018-19 campaign with a 53-29 record, they reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.

The playoff run renewed hope that they could win a title with the backcourt duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. However, the Blazers have made a 4-7 start to the new season.

Their slow start hit rock-bottom with a loss to the struggling Sacramento Kings, and the Blazers are likely to be active in the trade market as they attempt to get their season back on track. So with incomings and outgoings likely, here are all the latest Portland trade rumors you need to know.

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#1 Charles Barkley urges the Blazers to sign Kevin Love

Kevin Love could be made available by the Cavs

Kevin Love has started the new season well, but at 31 he appears to be the odd man out on a Cleveland Cavaliers team that is undergoing a long-term rebuild. The Trail Blazers are among a number of teams that have been strongly linked with the former All-Star, and TNT analyst Charles Barkley believes that Portland should make a move for the Cavs star:

"First of all, he’s from Portland. That would be a great trade to make, because this team right here, they’re not going to beat the Lakers or the Clippers ... They (Portland) got not bigs who can space the floor," Barkley said.

After struggling with injuries during the 2018-19 season, Love has started the current campaign well, averaging 18.3 points and 13.9 rebounds per game. He is under contract for another four seasons, having extending his deal shortly after the departure of LeBron James last summer.

#2 Danilo Gallinari is a trade candidate

Danilo Gallinari is expected to be moved by the Thunder ahead of the trade deadline

Due to the Oklahoma City Thunder's desire to rebuild, Danilo Gallinari is among the veteran players that could be moved ahead of the deadline. And Paolo Uggetti of The Ringer believes that the former Clippers man could be a target for Portland:

"Danilo Gallinari is another trade candidate who could fit in well with this team. He would be the perfect stretch 4 to play with Portland’s deadly backcourt. While it’s unclear what Oklahoma City’s ultimate goals are for this season, Gallinari and his expiring contract could be a tasty asset for Sam Presti to try to swap," Uggetti wrote.

Gallinari was among the NBA's best three-point shooters during the 2018-19 season, and the Italian has put in a series of strong performances since joining the Thunder as part of the trade for Paul George earlier this summer. Through 11 appearances he is averaging 18.2 points and 4.9 rebounds, while also shooting 42% from three-point range.

#3 Anfernee Simons and Nassir Little could be among the players that are traded

Anfernee Simons could be traded despite making an impressive start to the season

If the Portland Trail Blazers are to make signings in the weeks ahead, some members of the current roster will need to make way. And according to Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, Anfernee Simons and Nassir Little are among the players in danger of being traded:

"Zach Collins' shoulder injury hurts, but Anfernee Simons and Nassir Little still loom as high-ceiling contributors or attractive trade chips. With a couple of massive expiring salaries on the books, Portland is positioned to be a major buyer in this year's trade market," Buckley wrote.

Simons was selected 24th overall by the Blazers in the 2018 NBA draft. After making little impact in his rookie season, the 20-year-old has impressed over the first month of his sophomore year.

Meanwhile, Little was Portland's 25th overall pick this summer, but the 19-year-old has averaged just 8.2 minutes per game.