Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images

Entering the new NBA season, the Portland Trail Blazers were a trendy pick to get back to the postseason. After just barely missing out last season, the Trail Blazers were determined to get this team going again.

Portland has a nice collection of young talent on the roster, as well as some timely veterans who have made a difference. But if this team is going to actually do damage in the Western Conference, they may need to make a trade or two.

However, the Trail Blazers general manager has earned a reputation for being a tough negotiator, which could cause some issues. But if this team wants to make the most out of the year, they may need to be one of the more active squads at the upcoming NBA trade deadline.

This is just a prediction, NOT a report!

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Portland Trail Blazers Make Splash, Trade For LaMelo Ball

As the Trail Blazers search for ways to get over the hump in the West, the idea of them trading for a star player has again come up. Portland does have Damian Lillard on the roster, but he won’t be around until next season while he recovers from an injury.

The team also can’t count on Lillard fully since he is older and coming off a brutal injury. One option for this team could be to capitalize on a star player whose trade value is extremely low right now.

That would be guard LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets, who has been discussed in trade rumors since the start of the regular season. Ball could be a good option for this team, and he is young enough to grow with the other players.

In 47 games played last season for the Hornets, Ball put up some impressive numbers, posting arguably the best year of his career. Overall, the star guard averaged 25.2 points, 4.9 rebounds. 7.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.

If this Trail Blazers team were to add Ball to the mix, it could drastically take them over the top. Portland wants to get back to the postseason and beyond, and adding someone like Ball could help things.

The Trail Blazers were one of the better defensive teams in the NBA last season, but the offense held them back at times. But if Ball were to be added to the mix, he could help this team take off by adding pace to the plans.

There are concerns around the game of Ball, especially on the injury front, and his defensive limitations. But the Trail Blazers have the talent on the roster that can help mask some of the deficiencies the star guard has on the court.

Portland seemed ready to add an established star to the mix, but it may require them to bring in a tier-B type of star. Ball could be the perfect player for this team, and he would likely be motivated to play for a team that is trying to contend.

All in all, this could be a very solid move for the Trail Blazers to consider, and with his value being so low at this moment, the time is now to strike to land his services. Portland could set itself up very well for this season and beyond, giving the fans some hope for the first time in multiple years.