Chicago Bulls: Blazers have long ‘desired’ an Otto Porter Jr. trade
One of the players for the Chicago Bulls that is starting to get some chatter surrounding his availability just two weeks ahead of the trade deadline is veteran small forward Otto Porter Jr. There is apparently some interest in an OPJ trade coming from some teams out on the west coast, which could mean a potential developing situation worth watching on the open market in the Windy City.
The first team that appeared to have some interest in discussing the availability of OPJ ahead of the March 25 trade deadline was the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors had reported interest in seeing about an OPJ trade earlier in the week, as they are no strangers to taking on big contracts for veteran forwards/wings (i.e. Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins).
Later this week, it also looks like another playoff contender out in the Western Conference is interested in hearing what it would take to get the services of OPJ in the mix. According to a report from Jason Quick of The Athletic on March 9 (paid content), the Portland Trail Blazers have “long desired” a potential trade deal for the former Washington Wizard OPJ.
Blazers interest in the Chicago Bulls veteran wing
Since OPJ is in the midst of the final year of his current contract, his services are pretty valuable. And given his high salary just south of $30 million annually, matching dollar amounts with other teams around the NBA landscape won’t be all that difficult for the Bulls.
What makes this looming trade rumor between the Bulls and Blazers so interesting is the quality of offers that might come about. Now that both the Blazers and Warriors are both reportedly involved in the OPJ trade discussions, the asking price could go up too.
The Blazers in particular will be looking to get some depth help in the wing rotation for the standout trio of superstar point guard Damian Lillard, shooting guard CJ McCollum, and talented big man Jusuf Nurkic. OPJ could fill more of a sixth man role, or start at the three or the four, for the Blazers if they landed him ahead of the deadline later this month.
The problem for the Bulls in either keeping or trading OPJ is his injury status. He is likely to return to the rotation for the team in their first game back from the All-Star Break, but his injury history is spotty at best in recent year.
Next. 3 OPJ trades with the Warriors. dark
The next game up for first-year head coach Billy Donovan and the Bulls is set for March 11, as they host the Philadelphia 76ers at home at the United Center. The Bulls come into this meeting with the Sixers with a record of 16-18.