Bleacher Report Suggests Blazers, Porter Jr Trade

The news of continued disharmony within the Washington Wizards organization is coming in thick and fast.

In fact, it’s starting to look a lot like Christmas for NBA writers, who are busily speculating and suggesting trade packages in the event Wizards’ GM Ernie Grunfeld chooses to end the drama and blow up the team.

Dan Favale at Bleacher Report has joined the chorus, suggesting five scenarios where one of John Wall, Bradley Beal or Otto Porter Junior could be shipped off.

One such deal would see small forward Porter Jr - with center Thomas Bryant - sent to Portland in exchange for Maurice Harkless, Meyers Leonard, Anfernee Simons and a lottery-protected first-round pick.

Favale says it’s a move the Blazers consider if they believe the team can continue its hot start, as it plunges them a further $4.2 million into the luxury tax.

Putting Porter next to Damien (sic) Lillard and CJ McCollum is patently unfair. He’s cut his teeth orbiting other ball-handlers, and Portland’s offense has a touch more room for him to attack off the dribble. Closing games with him, Al-Farouq Aminu and Zach Collins up front should help what has been the worst crunch-time defense to date.

While emphasizing Porter Jr - a former number 3 pick - as an upgrade over Harkless and any of Portland’s other small forwards, the length and size of his contract might be a detractor for Neil Olshey:

If they believe a healthy Harkless gives them two-thirds or more of what Porter brings, the Blazers could think about pulling the first-rounder or including a player other than Simons. The Wizards shouldn’t bite if Portland goes the hardball route. Harkless has yet to prove he can float Porter’s three-point volume, and Leonard’s contract is still a hindrance.

Ultimately, the deal would instantly inject more talent, shooting and defense into the starting unit, however the money owed until 2021 combined with the potential of Simons might be enough for Portland to let it slide.