Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal 

The Blazers haven’t strictly committed to Lillard. They’ve been quite faithful to Jusuf Nurkic as well. 

In fairness, Nurkic brings some skills to the table. He’s a big, bruising center who can finish pick and rolls with his sheer might. Still, the Blazers could be due for an upgrade. 

After all, Nurkic is a non-shooting big man, and not a positive on the defensive end either. By both of those measures, Porzingis would be an upgrade. He’s a floor-spacing big man who thrives in drop coverage on the defensive end. 

Moreover, Jerami Grant and Josh Hart could be perfect running mates for him. Their defensive versatile and perimeter-stopping powers should mask for Porzingis’ slow feet and inability to defend in space.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kristaps Porzingis, Washington Wizards & Portland Trail Blazers Updates

Finally, the Blazers would have the type of five-out spacing that plenty of contending teams covet in 2022 following this deal. 

What does it do for the Wizards?