Does this trade make sense for the Portland Trail Blazers?
Robert Covington’s minutes are down almost 25% compared to last season and both Nassir Little and Larry Nance Jr. are starting to phase him out of the rotation in big moments of games.
Not only would this trade result in the Blazers falling below the tax line for the season, but Bagley can do more than Covington can on the offensive-end of the floor.
Where the veteran forward is more of a catch-and-shoot three-point threat, Marvin Bagley is more of a “traditional” frontcourt player that prefers to play with his back to the basket and can create second-chance scoring opportunities because of his rebounding skills.
Covington’s rebounding total has dropped from 6.7 rebounds per game last season to just 4.5 rebounds per game this season, which has caused a lot of problems in Portland’s frontcourt with Nurkic having to do everything.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: 3 Trade Targets For Portland Trail Blazers — Pass Or Pursue?
This would not be a trade that Portland would make and immediately become title contenders in the Western Conference, but getting fresh legs with Bagley in the frontcourt does present the Blazers an opportunity to change their approach to things on offense.
The young forward is more athletic and dynamic than that of Robert Covington and while Covington has been a force defensively for Portland, Bagley can hold his own against stronger opponents in the post.
The best part about this trade for Portland though is the fact that Robert Covington is the only player they would have to give up. After this season, they most likely will not re-sign him unless he agrees to a minimum contract and they would also be getting a protected first-round pick from Sacramento.
Figuring out the draft picks and what the details of them would be could definitely change the dynamic of this trade, but if Covington is the only asset Portland would have to give up for Marvin Bagley, they need to pull the trigger on this trade.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: 3 Trade Targets For Portland Trail Blazers — Pass Or Pursue?
There is really no risk involved with this trade for the Portland Trail Blazers, which is why going after Marvin Bagley III definitely makes sense for them.
