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After overcoming the odds to reach the 2019 Western Conference Finals, the Portland Trail Blazers had lofty expectations heading into the 2019-20 season. However, despite Damian Lillard's outstanding form of and the resurgence of Carmelo Anthony, the Blazers currently sit 10th in the West standings with a 20-27 record. Injuries have played a role, although there is no doubting that the Blazers have been among the NBA's most disappointing teams through the first half of the season.
Nevertheless, the Trail Blazers are just two wins back from the 8th seeded Memphis Grizzlies, and the front office could be active ahead of the trade deadline as they look to preserve Portland's streak of reaching the postseason. So, with the potential for plenty to happen over the next 10 days, here we will take a look at all the latest Trail Blazers rumors you need to know.
#1 Hassan Whiteside could be among the players to be traded
Following five seasons with the Miami Heat, Hassan Whiteside was traded to Portland last summer as part of a four-team trade that involved the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers. Due to the absence of Jusuf Nurkic, Whiteside has started 43 times this season, although The Ringer is reporting that the veteran could be traded if the Trail Blazers opt to make a big move ahead of the trade deadline:
If Olshey does get active, the pieces most likely to be on the move are Hassan Whiteside, a mostly empty-calories stat compiler who nonetheless is big and durable
Playing 30.7 minutes per night, Whiteside has averaged 15.6 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks. However, Whiteside's limited skillset has earned some criticism, and the 30-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
#2 A trade for Kevin Love remains unlikely
Ever since signing a four-year contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers back in 2018, Kevin Love has been linked with a trade. Talk of a potential exit increased following Love's on-court outbursts at his young teammates, and as a Portland native, the Trail Blazers have been frequently mentioned as an ideal destination. Nevertheless, Sam Amick of The Athletic believes that a deal is unlikely ahead of the deadline:
It’s hard to envision them (Portland) making that kind of move at the moment. What’s more, there is serious skepticism from key people close to the Blazers that Love will ever find his way to his home region team in the Northwest.
Love played a key role alongside LeBron James as the Cavs made four straight trips to the NBA Finals between 2015 and 2018. However, the organization is currently in rebuild mode, and Love appears to be a bad fit due to the size of his contract. Over 40 appearances this season, the 31-year-old is averaging 17.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
#3 Injuries could leave the Blazers 'stuck' until the summer
While the Trail Blazers are believed to be open to trading Hassan Whiteside, Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports is reporting that Portland's trade plans over the next week will be heavily impacted by the status of injured stars such as Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins:
Portland is kind of stuck. It’s fighting for the playoffs but has so many injuries, it’s hard to predict where this season will go. The Trail Blazers will most likely stand pat at the deadline and do their work over the summer.
Nurkic recently returned to practice, although the big has been ruled out until at least the All-Star break. Meanwhile, Collins' recovery from a dislocated shoulder remains on track, although he won't return until March at the earliest. Due to this, any plans to move a player such as Whiteside could depend on Portland's ability to get a center back in the trade - and as Smith's report points out - the Blazers may opt to wait until the summer.
