Lowe: Blazers Might “Fall a Little Short” in Gordon Sweepstakes

The Trail Blazers’ rumored interest in Magic forward Aaron Gordon continues to gain steam as the March 25 trade deadline approaches. On Monday, ESPN NBA analyst Zach Lowe delivered a detailed look at the trade landscape. In regards to the Blazers and Gordon, Lowe suggested that Portland’s package might fall short of Orlando’s asking price.

After outlining the realistic trade packages that Blazers could put together (a list that included: Rodney Hood, Nassir Little, Anfernee Simons and Zach Collins), Lowe explained that a package consisting of those assets might not be enough to land Gordon.

In Little, Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Jones Jr., and Robert Covington, the Blazers have four guys who lean toward power forward in terms of skill set on one end or both. Gordon is a quicker one-on-one defender than Covington, and (in theory) a better shooter and more well-rounded offensive player than Jones. Does Portland have enough to acquire Gordon? I would wager the Blazers fall a little short.

Instead, Lowe mentioned that the Blazers could pursue a player in the next tier of perimeter options. That group includes Raptors wing Norman Powell and Warriors forward Kelly Oubre.

What about a smaller wing such as Powell or Oubre? Powell has probably played his way beyond Portland’s reach. Oubre is decent, but do the Blazers really need him if they can slide Gary Trent Jr. to small forward alongside their two star guards? Oubre is a longer and more disruptive defender than Trent, but Trent is the far better shooter. I’m not sure there is a Portland-Golden State deal that makes sense.

Powell, a 6-foot-3 shooting guard, is averaging 19.6 points per game this season. Oubre, who is playing with his third team in three seasons, is currently averaging 14.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.

You can read the Lowe’s full rumors rundown at ESPN+ (subscription required).