Blazer’s Edge NBA Trade Machine Competition: Bargain Shopping

The NBA Trade Deadline is quickly approaching, and the Trail Blazers are positioned to be buyers if they continue to perform well over this stretch of their schedule. To prepare for the upcoming deadline, Blazer’s Edge contributor Steve Dewald asked readers to submit their best trade proposals from ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine.

Here are the results from this week.

For the Laughs

This week’s humor-driven winner comes from Zach. Like many of us, Zach has a Nicolas Batum jersey collecting dust in his closet. In hopes recuperating some value from that purchase, Zach submitted a trade centered around the French forward.

Here is the deal:

Blazers Receive:

• Nic Batum
• Frank Kaminsky

Hornets Receive:

• Evan Turner
• Maurice Harkless

Most Creative

This deal from Kyle doesn’t include a ton of intricate pick swaps, but it does include the Pelicans receiving multiple assets for the services of Anthony Davis. For the record, I don’t see this trade happening. That being said, I appreciate Kyle’s ability to combine New Orleans’ struggles and Charlotte’s search to offload Batum into one deal. Plus, who doesn’t love a dynasty-making trade for the Blazers?

Here is the submission:

Blazers Receive:

• Anthony Davis (Pelicans)
• Nic Batum (Hornets)

Hornets Receive:

• Evan Turner (Blazers)

Pelicans Receive:

• CJ McCollum (Blazers)
• Zach Collins (Blazers)
• Anfernee Simons (Blazers)
• 2019 First Round Pick (Blazers)
• 2019 First Round Pick (Hornets)

Most Realistic

This salary-savvy submission comes from Jim. This isn’t the flashiest move, and it wouldn’t do much to enhance the supporting cast around Damian Lillard this season. Those caveats aside, this deal would relieve a portion of the Blazers’ salary burden and keep their future assets intact. Portland would immediately save cash and add a young wing to the roster. Given the short-term nature of the veteran deals coming in, the Blazers could quickly jettison their remaining money to explore other options after the deadline.

Blazers Receive:

• Zach Randolph
• Kosta Koufos
• Justin Jackson

Kings Receive:

• Evan Turner
• Maurice Harkless

Keep your submissions coming. This week, Steve is looking for deals that meet two criteria: keep McCollum in Portland, and add a floor-spacing forward. Good luck.

—Steve / @SteveDHoops / BEdgeSteve@gmail.com