NBA Trade Deadline: Portland Trail Blazers Acquire Arron Afflalo From Nuggets
The Portland Trail Blazers have just acquired Denver Nuggets shooting guard Arron Afflalo in a package that involved five players and a first round draft pick. The Trail Blazers also acquired forward Alonzo Gee in the deal.
Before today’s trade deadline, there were rumors that the Trail Blazers would go after Afflalo’s Nuggets teammate Wilson Chandler to help sure up their bench, which has been lackluster over the past couple of seasons. However, the Blazers ultimately decided to settle on Afflalo, who gives them a bit more size, experience, and reliability at the backup shooting guard spot.
In the deal, the Trail Blazers sent power forward Thomas Robinson, shooting guard Will Barton, small forward Victor Claver and a lottery-protected first round pick in exchange for Gee and Afflalo.
Portland Trail Blazers general manager Neil Olshey shared his thoughts on the deal, and his thoughts on Gee and Afflalo as players.
“Arron [Afflalo] is a proven winner with playoff experience who will be easily integrated into our culture. He possesses a skill set that complements our style of play on both ends of the floor and will make an immediate impact as we continue our playoff push.
Alonzo [Gee] is an elite athlete and defender who adds a unique element to our perimeter.”
The Trail Blazers have been in the hunt for bench help over the past two seasons. Both Chris Kaman and Steve Blake have proven to be solid additions to the Blazers’ bench this season, but they were still lacking the depth they needed to become a true contender in the ultra-competitive western conference.
Portland will be Afflalo’s fourth stop in his NBA career as he has played for the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Denver Nuggets previously. As for Alonzo Gee, this will be his fifth stop, as he’s played for the Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets previously.
Afflalo is averaging 14.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists this season, while Gee is averaging 4.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game this season.
As of right now, the Portland Trail Blazers are third in the western conference standings with a record of 36-17.
[Image via NBA]
