NBA Trade Rumors: Blazers open to moving Jusuf Nurkic, Robert Covington

NBA Trade Rumors: The Portland Trail Blazers are reportedly open to trading two rotation players ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline. 

At 11-18, roughly four games back of the eighth seed in the Western Conference, the Portland Trail Blazers are in a situation in which they have to think hard about making a big move ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline.

They’ve expressed interest in Ben Simmons, but there’s no guarantee that the Philadelphia 76ers elect to trade him this season. The Blazers can’t put their entire eggs in that basket and in an effort to not do so, they’re reportedly shopping two rotation players in search of a deal.

"[via BR]The Portland Trail Blazers are expected to primarily gauge trade interest in Nurkic and Covington, but Larry Nance Jr. seems to be a target among rival front offices."

Jusuf Nurkic and Robert Covington are both good players but it remains to be seen if they can bring back a return that would greatly lift the ceiling for the Blazers. Nevertheless, to say that the Blazers don’t have trade assets would be unfair.

Even if it is just to shake up the supporting cast until the front office can pull a big enough change to truly make a difference, any move could help bright some fresh air into the organization.

Damian Lillard needs help and help desperately. Even though he’s had a rough season thus far, the weight of having to carry the Blazers every night – especially with CJ McCollum sidelined with an injury – can be pretty overwhelming.

The expectation is that the Blazers will make a move at the trade deadline. It remains to be seen just how big of a move it will actually be.