With the trade deadline looming on Thursday, there’s already been some fireworks on the market over the last week. Anthony Davis’ trade request hangs over everything in the league at the moment, and Kristaps Porzingis was suddenly dealt to the Mavericks in a stunning blockbuster a few days ago.
Not every trade can be a franchise-altering deal, but as the playoff race heats up contenders are looking to acquire some more depth and help while lottery teams are in asset acquisition mode. Those different paths often lend themselves to making for a mutually beneficial trade, and on Sunday the Cavs and Blazers found a match.
Cleveland will reportedly send Rodney Hood to Portland in exchange for Nik Stauskas, Wade Baldwin IV, and a pair of second rounders, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Portland has agreed to a deal to acquire Cleveland forward Rodney Hood for guards Nik Stauskas, Wade Baldwin and two future second-round picks, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 3, 2019
Hood, by signing his qualifying offer this summer, had to agree to the trade and unsurprisingly was willing to do so to escape Cleveland and go play for a legit contender in Portland.
Hood had to agree to trade to Blazers, because he had signed a one-year qualifying offer with Cavs. He was enthusiastic enough about joining Portland to waive his Bird Rights. Blazers could still re-sign him using an exception this summer. https://t.co/Lx59mSmTqy
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 3, 2019
The Blazers add some veteran backcourt help and will hope Hood can bring them some shooting on the perimeter. Stauskas has been bothered by a knee injury and has only played in one of the last six games, as he did not dress for the Blazers most recent game against Utah.
As Woj notes, the Cavs are likely not done unloading some of their veteran players as the deadline approaches, with Alec Burks likely to be on the move soon as well.
Hood was one of the more pursued rotation wings on the market and gives Blazers another offensive weapon for a postseason run. Cleveland continues to stockpile draft picks — with guard Alec Burks likely on deck next for a trade.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 3, 2019