Trail Blazers Trade Rumours Roundup, Jan 17th: Tristan Thompson to Trail Blazers and more
The Portland Trail Blazers are placed at the fifth spot in the Western Conference Standings with a 26-19 win-loss record and are most likely to make it to the playoffs once again. With the NBA trade deadline just around the corner, it is time to look at some of the Trail Blazers trade rumours out there.
#1 Jeremy Lin
After getting traded by the Brooklyn Nets to Atlanta Hawks, Jeremy Lin has looked great so far with his new team. However, the Hawks are currently at the bottom half of the table and in all likelihood, will miss the playoffs.
For the year, Lin is averaging 10.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game at a career-high 47.8 % shooting from the field, in close to 20 minutes per game.
According to Sean Deveney of Sporting News:
Portland, too, would be willing to part with its first-rounder to add depth to a roster that badly needs help in the backcourt and on the wing. The Trail Blazers could be a player for Ross or Simmons, too. But sources tell SN that they have expressed interest in another player expected to be made available for a first-round pick: Atlanta point guard Jeremy Lin.
#2 Tristan Thompson
Tristan Thompson is finally back in the lineup after missing 10 games due to a sore foot. The center is averaging career-high numbers and even though the Cavaliers are struggling to pick up wins, he has been rock solid and is posting strong performances.
Thompson signed a 5-year, $82 million deal in the 2015 off-season and will take $18.5 million home next season. Despite his large contract, several teams are still showing interest in him because of the way he has been playing this season.
According to Sam Amico of AmicoHoops.net:
Thompson is a native of Canada and the Eastern Conference-leading Toronto Raptors have been interested since the Cavs selected Thompson with the fourth overall draft pick in 2011.
The Houston Rockets also just lost center Clint Capela for at least a month with an injured thumb, and have already spoken with the Cavs a few times about exiled shooting guard J.R. Smith. (Though it is believed most of those conversations took place before Smith was told to go home.)
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Portland Trail Blazers are others who may be interested.