The Portland Trail Blazers are adding wing Robert Covington to bolster their supporting cast. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports the deal is for Trevor Ariza and two first-round draft picks.
The Rockets are finalizing a trade to send Robert Covington to Portland for Trevor Ariza and 2020 first-round pick and 2021 protected first-round pick, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 17, 2020
The Rockets find themselves in a potentially franchise-turning offseason. Russell Westbrook wants to be moved from the franchise. Additionally, recent reports indicate James Harden may feel the same way.
It appears they’re preparing for a fall from the contender status they’ve held in previous seasons. The draft compensation indicates they know a rebuild of some sort is in the near future. They lack assets in coming years from the failed attempts to push their roster over the top.
Portland jumped on the uncertainty in Houston, making a big upgrade to their supporting cast. Trevor Ariza is a solid veteran, but nothing close to Robert Covington at the point in both of their careers. For the Rockets last year, Covington averaged 11.6 points per game with eight rebounds per contest.
Covington is widely regarded as one of the best wing defenders in the NBA. That’s important for a Portland team looking to get by Kawhi Leonard– and LeBron James-led teams in the west. This could mean the team will move on from Carmelo Anthony, as well, because both players would be vying for the same minutes.
Anthony is an offensive player only, and Covington’s two-way capabilities are much more valuable to the Trail Blazers. They’re led offensively by Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. In this deal, they’re giving up a future first-round pick in addition to the 16th overall selection in this year’s NBA Draft.
Portland fell in last year’s playoffs to the Los Angeles Lakers, 4-1.
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @ptsportstalk
Follow Garrett Brooks on Twitter @Garrett_Brooks1
