5 notable trade targets for Portland Trail Blazers to pair with Damian Lillard

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Nov 5, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) blocks the shot of Portland Trail Blazers forward Norman Powell (24) as guard Chris Duarte (3) defends during the second half of the game at Moda Center. The Blazers won 110-106, 5 notable trade targets for Portland Trail Blazers to pair with Damian Lillard. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

After missing the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons, the Portland Trail Blazers will head into the offseason in a fascinating position.

With Damian Lillard pledging his loyalty to the franchise, Anfernee Simons showing star potential, and Josh Hart playing the best basketball of his career after coming over at the trade deadline, the Blazers have several interesting pieces on the roster.

Portland will certainly be looking to jump back into postseason contention next season, so it would not be surprising to see them pursue a key name on the trade market this offseason to bolster their chances.

The Blazers did gain an abundance of assets at the trade deadline in deals involving CJ McCollum and Norman Powell, and it would be a smart decision to utilize those sooner rather than later. With all that said, let us look at five players that Portland should look to pair with their franchise centerpiece in Lillard next season via trade.

5 notable trade targets for the Portland Trail Blazers to pair with Damian Lillard: Myles Turner

With Jusuf Nurkic set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason, the Blazers could be in the market for a center. One player of interest could be Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers, who the Blazers are already on the record having trade discussions about.

According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, the Blazers and Pacers had strong momentum in trade talks at the 2022 deadline for Turner, but those talks quieted once the center was sidelined with a stress fracture in his foot. If Turner is healthy, perhaps these two teams could reignite their trade discussions this offseason.

Adding more defensive-minded players should be a priority for the Blazers this offseason, and a player like Turner fits the billing. As a two-time block champion, Turner has cemented himself as one of the best shot-blockers in the league, and he would unquestionably help bulk up Portland’s subpar defense.

Yet, the big man is no slouch on the offensive side of things either, as he has put up 12.7 points per game for his career while shooting 48.9 percent from the floor. Adding a piece like Turner would instantly make the Blazers more formidable on both sides of the basketball.

As for actually trading for Turner, Fischer’s reporting suggests that the Pacers were ready to deal him at the deadline before this foot issue popped up. They will likely take calls once the offseason begins, and the Blazers should be among those on the other line.

With one year and $17.5 million left on his current deal, Turner is a reasonable target from a financial standpoint, though it is not entirely clear what the Pacers may ask for in a deal. Regardless, the Blazers should make a run at bringing in the 26-year-old.

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Portland Trail Blazers will head into the offseason in a fascinating position.</p> <p>With Damian Lillard pledging his loyalty to the franchise, Anfernee Simons showing star potential, and Josh Hart playing the best basketball of his career after coming over at the trade deadline, the Blazers have several interesting pieces on the roster.</p> <p>Portland will certainly be looking to jump back into postseason contention next season, so it would not be surprising to see them pursue a key name on the trade market this offseason to bolster their chances.</p> <p>The Blazers did gain an abundance of assets at the trade deadline in deals involving CJ McCollum and Norman Powell, and it would be a smart decision to utilize those sooner rather than later. With all that said, let us look at five players that Portland should look to pair with their franchise centerpiece in Lillard next season via trade.</p> <h2>5 notable trade targets for the Portland Trail Blazers to pair with Damian Lillard: Myles Turner</h2> <p>With Jusuf Nurkic set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason, the Blazers could be in the market for a center. One player of interest could be Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers, who the Blazers are already on the record having trade discussions about.</p> <p>According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/02/portland-trail-blazers-damian-lillard-7/"https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952819-nba-head-rumor-intel-latest-on-collins-turner-mccollum-grant-more" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Blazers and Pacers had strong momentum in trade talks</a> at the 2022 deadline for Turner, but those talks quieted once the center was sidelined with a stress fracture in his foot. If Turner is healthy, perhaps these two teams could reignite their trade discussions this offseason.</p> <p>Adding more defensive-minded players should be a priority for the Blazers this offseason, and a player like Turner fits the billing. As a two-time block champion, Turner has cemented himself as one of the best shot-blockers in the league, and he would unquestionably help bulk up Portland’s subpar defense.</p> <p>Yet, the big man is no slouch on the offensive side of things either, as he has put up 12.7 points per game for his career while shooting 48.9 percent from the floor. Adding a piece like Turner would instantly make the Blazers more formidable on both sides of the basketball.</p> <p>As for actually trading for Turner, Fischer’s reporting suggests that the Pacers were ready to deal him at the deadline before this foot issue popped up. They will likely take calls once the offseason begins, and the Blazers should be among those on the other line.</p> <p>With one year and $17.5 million left on his current deal, Turner is a reasonable target from a financial standpoint, though it is not entirely clear what the Pacers may ask for in a deal. Regardless, the Blazers should make a run at bringing in the 26-year-old.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/02/portland-trail-blazers-damian-lillard-7/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 2 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_444373" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/02/portland-trail-blazers-damian-lillard-7/"http://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/imagn-images/2018/08/17974092.jpeg"> "Portland