Trail Blazers Trade for Prized Afflalo

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In a five player deal between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Denver Nuggets, the Blazers have significantly bolstered their roster by acquiring guard Arron Afflalo.  The trade consists of the Blazers sending  forward Thomas Robinson, guards Will Barton, Victor Claver and a lottery-protected first-round pick to the Nuggets for Afflalo and Alonzo Gee.  Per ESPN’s Marc Stein the first-round pick sent to the Nuggets is lottery-protected in 2016 and 2017. It becomes two future second-round picks if the Blazers miss the playoffs in each of those seasons.  This trade just might have officially made the Blazers a title competitor, as their weakness for the past few years has been their bench, now they have a veteran who has started in most of his career coming off the bench.  Portland also sends away three players who have not had heavy roles or contributions to the team, although Thomas Robinsion was just the 5th overall pick a few years ago it seems like he has a low ceiling which makes him easier to move.  Also sent to Portland is Alonzo Gee, who has been a respectable role player for years.

“Arron is a proven winner with playoff experience who will be easily integrated into our culture,” Trail Blazers president of basketball operations Neil Olshey said in a statement. “He possesses a skill set that complements our style of play on both ends of the floor and will make an immediate impact as we continue our playoff push. “Alonzo is an elite athlete and defender who adds a unique element to our perimeter.”

Credit: (Chris Humphreys/USA Today Sports)

Afflalo hasn’t had a good season in Denver, averaging a little under 15 points but having his worst shooting season since his rookie year at .428 percent although he isn’t far removed from good play of basketball as his play in Orlando almost got him a spot on the Eastern All-Star team last year.  In Orlando Afflalo averaged 18.2 points, 3.4 assist and 3.6 rebound per game, as well as shooting a hot 42 percent from three.

As for Denver this deal is most likely a salary dump as all three players become restricted free agents, Denver traded Javale Mcgee to the 76ers today as well.