2. Jaren Jackson Jr.
If the Portland Trail Blazers are going to trade CJ McCollum, they are going to want to try getting a star-caliber player in return. McCollum has turned into one of the best shooting guards in the NBA and Portland won’t give him away for cheap.
In this scenario, the Trail Blazers take a swing on potential, targeting Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies. Jackson has battled injuries throughout his NBA career, but he has legitimate two-way star potential.
The Michigan State product averaged a career-high 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals this past season despite playing a career-low 23.5 minutes per game. He tied a career-high with 1.6 blocks as well. His shooting percentages were both career-lows, but some of that can be chalked up to rust. He did make a career-high 83.3 percent from the foul line, though.
Portland could ask for a first-round pick coming back along with him, especially if they take on Eric Bledsoe’s contract in the deal once he is eligible to be traded again. It also gives the Trail Blazers some value in case Jackson cannot remain healthy again.
READ MORE: Predictions for NBA Trade Rumors: Simmons, Lillard, Hield, Ingles, Siakam
For Memphis, Jackson is a steep price but McCollum would bring the scoring punch they are desperate for. He is also a capable playmaker that will help take pressure off of Ja Morant initiating the offense, allowing him to concentrate some of his energy elsewhere.
