3. Dejounte Murray
If the Portland Trail Blazers are going to get over the hump in the postseason, they have to improve on the defensive side of the ball. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum can light up the scoreboard, but they struggle to keep opposing backcourts from doing the same.
If the Trail Blazers are going to move on from McCollum, adding a player that can help the team on defense is a good route to take. One player that would fit the bill is Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs could also be looking to shake things up this offseason. Murray, along with Derrick White, are both reportedly ‘gettable’ in a deal with San Antonio. They would make for an excellent trade package target in exchange for McCollum.
Murray is already an elite defender and has the size to defend both backcourt spots. He could handle the top perimeter assignment each night, allowing Lillard to focus on the offensive side of the ball. He would give Portland three above-average defenders in their starting five along with Powell and Robert Covington.
Murray isn’t the offensive player that McCollum is, but he has improved every season on that end. He needs to find some consistency with his 3-point shot, but his midrange game and finishing at the rim are both great.
READ MORE: Predictions for NBA Trade Rumors: Simmons, Lillard, Hield, Ingles, Siakam
White would provide some scoring punch to Portland’s second unit that they are going to miss with Carmelo Anthony leaving to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is also a capable playmaker and defender, shaping Portland’s backcourt in one fell swoop.
