The Portland Trail Blazers Are Favorites To Acquire RJ Barrett
According to Bovada, the Trail Blazers are +205 favorites to sign the forward
After missing the playoffs for a fourth straight season, the Portland Trail Blazers are still constructing a winning roster after Damian Lillard's departure.
However, it seems as if they are masterminding a huge move. According to the online sportsbook Bovada, they are +205 favorites to land RJ Barrett in a trade.
Barrett has what the Blazers lack
The Trail Blazers finished this season with a 36-46 record. Comparable to the earlier seasons, they lacked offensive power, finishing with an offensive rating of 111.7.
Barrett may be a partial solution to this issue.
Throughout his career, he established himself as a respectable offensive player, averaging 18.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. This season, he played his best basketball, logging career-highs of 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.
While Barrett’s offensive numbers are extremely impressive, his method of scoring is a component that the Trail Blazers need.
Although his 3-point shooting isn’t the best, he shot 35.4% in the last two seasons combined. He excels at making mid-range shots and is also proficient at driving to the basket.
Blazers will have a tough choice to make
Barrett is under a four-year contract he signed with the New York Knicks in 2022.
With two years remaining on his contract, he is set to earn $57.3 million. If the Trail Blazers decide to acquire Barrett, they will be responsible for that payment.
If the Trail Blazers attempt to acquire Barrett, they may be required to let go of certain talent. For the trade to work financially, Portland will likely have to give a package that includes Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, and a draft pick.
Considering Barrett's skills and his youth, several teams may begin to express interest in him. Still, the Trail Blazers would gain significantly if they could acquire him.
Cory Nelson is a contributor to The Lead. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson, Instagram @ckenzynelson, and Threads @ckenzynelson