NBA Rumors: Blazers Looking To Inject New Blood; Veteran Big Man Not In The Equation

The Portland Trail Blazers know that they need to bolster their roster this season if they want to figure prominently in the NBA postseason.

Like other teams, they are monitoring the buyout market situation as well as other free agents available.

Among the names they are reportedly eyeing include Tony Snell, George Hill, Wayne Ellington and Otto Porter Jr. per The Athletic.

These names have been frequenting the NBA rumor mill, particularly for teams looking for help in the backcourt or from the shooting range.

One name that comes to mind is DeMarcus Cousins. He was waived by the Houston Rockets recently but has curiously still not hooked up with another team.

According to a source, the Blazers are not considering the temperamental big man.

The defensive line of the Blazers could use help, and Cousins would have been ideal. But the problem with the All-Star center is that his last couple of years have not exactly been satisfactory.

Although he has shown his usual dominant self, his durability is in question.

Before he was waived by the Rockets, the 30-year-old center suited up in 25 games averaging 9.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. Easily, those are numbers that could be of help to any team–if “Boogie” is healthy.

The Blazers are expected to continue to bank on Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum but need added help. Cousins could be of help to the franchise on a temporary basis with Jusuf Nurkic still out due to an injury.

However, there are reports that Nurkic could be back for Portland in a week or two.

As for Cousins, the wait continues. The Los Angeles Lakers could have used someone like him, but they are likely to wait on Andre Drummond. If they fail to land the Cavaliers center, they may look at other options–including a potential reunion with “Boogie.”

Aside from the Lakers, Cousins could also draw some interest from other teams looking to beef up their rosters heading into the playoffs. But after that run, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the four-time NBA All-Star.