Haynes: Blazers' Pick Could Be In Play Because Veterans Want To "Win Now"

Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com reports that veteran members of the Portland Trail Blazers want the organization to "win now," a sentiment that could require a trade of the team's 2013 first-round pick.

Portland needs immediate help and according to most experts and people I've talked with around the league, this draft class isn't equipped with those type of services, especially not at No. 10.

Look for Portland to attempt to use that pick along with other assets to move up in the draft or acquire a proven veteran for immediate help. LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum want to win now.

Jason Quick of The Oregonian reported recently that Blazers GM Neil Olshey could be looking to deal.

If the Blazers keep their lottery pick -- and that's a big if as it appears Olshey will look for willing trade partners -- it is likely the team pursues a shooting guard.

The Blazers have four pressing needs this offseason: a starting center, a backup point guard, a high-scoring shooting guard and depth at small forward. With $11.6 million in cap room, a lottery pick and three second-round picks, they have enough assets to probably solve two, maybe three, of those issues this summer.

Olshey has been frank about searching for a starting center either in free agency or via trade.

The Blazers officially hold the No. 10 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft after Tuesday's lottery drawing.

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter