Does this trade make sense for the Portland Trail Blazers?

Portland needs to do two things in the offseason: find ways to improve their defense and add more bench depth to their roster. This trade does both of these things and could definitely help them be a better overall, more balanced team heading into next season. 

D.J. Augustin is now 33-years-old and would probably love the idea of getting out of Houston. At this point in his career, he does not want to be wasting his time being a part of a rebuild, which is why he would probably be thrilled to be traded to Portland to be Damian Lillard’s backup. 

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In 57 total games this season with both the Bucks and Houston Rockets, Augustin averaged 7.7 points, 3.3 assists and shot 38.2% from three-point range. While he is not the flashiest name that Portland could go after, you know what you are getting in D.J. Augustin, which is more than you can say about most of the guys on the Blazers’ roster this year. 

Adding Danuel House Jr. also helps the Blazers because he is a “3-and-D” guy that can spread the court. Portland is always looking for shooters and with them likely needing more wing talent with Norman Powell expected to become a free agent, House Jr. could easily slide his way into the rotation and see around 20 minutes per game next season for the Trail Blazers. 

Derrick Jones Jr. really holds no value right now for Portland, so why not flip him for two guys that you know will be utilized in the rotation? D.J. Augustin and Danuel House Jr. fit much better in Portland’s system than Derrick Jones Jr. does, which is why this trade definitely makes sense for them.