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The Portland Trail Blazers were left for dead by about every expert around the NBA prior to the season. During the 2015 offseason, the team lost LaMarcus Aldridge, Wesley Matthews, Nicolas Batum, Robin Lopez, Arron Afflalo and Will Barton through either trade or free agency, and the lone starter left was point guard Damian Lillard.
On the heels of a strong season from Lillard, and the most improved player in the league C.J. McCollum, the Blazers not only made the playoffs, but they took the defending champion Golden State Warriors to five games in the Western Conference Semifinals.
In order to take the next step and compete with the likes of the Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference, the Blazers must consider trading for one of these five players.
5. F/C Nerlens Noel
Credit: Getty Images5. F/C Nerlens Noel
Mason Plumlee had a career year as he averaged 9.1 points and 7.7 rebounds in 2016, but he doesn't offer the type of rim protection that Noel would. The Blazers need to be tougher inside, and Noel would certainly give them that.
4. C Jahlil Okafor
Credit: Getty Images4. C Jahlil Okafor
Okafor is one of the best offensive big men in the NBA, but he's struggled with immaturity and consistency. Blazers head coach Terry Stotts is one of the best motivators in the NBA and excels coaching young players. It could be a perfect match.
3. C Nikola Vucevic
Credit: Getty Images3. C Nikola Vucevic
The Magic are rumored to be interested in Dwight Howard which would seemingly make Vucevic available. While he doesn't provide much on the defensive end, he'd be the perfect piece for pick-n-roll offense with Lillard and McCollum.
2. C Brook Lopez
Credit: Getty Images2. C Brook Lopez
The Nets would like to build around Lopez, but it may not be possible. The franchise is years away from contending, and Lopez isn't getting any younger. It might serve them better to deal him now while he still has considerable value.
1. F Paul George
Credit: Getty Images1. F Paul George
Al-Farouq Aminu had a tremendous year for the Blazers, but he could slide to power forward if the team were to acquire George. A threesome of Lillard, McCollum and George would instantly make the Blazers threats to win it all.
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