Trail Blazers and Kings Make a Trade Involving Kent Bazemore and Trevor Ariza

Kent Bazemore. Photo by Michael Spomer/CSM/REX/Shutterstock

Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings made a significant trade over the weekend, hoping to shake up their struggling rosters. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, trail Blazers sent Kent Bazemore, and Anthony Toliver to Kings in exchange for Trevor Ariza, Wenyen Gabriel, and Caleb Swanigan.

Wojnarowski also reports that Portland sweetened the deal by including two future second-round picks in the trade as well.

The deal might turn out to be good for both sides involved. Blazers didn’t get the production they were hoping for from Bazemore, so swapping him for more experienced and a proven veteran like Ariza might increase their chances of reaching the playoffs in the loaded West. Also, the trade allowed them to save $12.5 million in salary and slash their luxury bill in half.

Another positive thing for Portland is the fact that Ariza, who has been averaging 6.0 points and 4.6 rebounds this season, has only $1.8 million guaranteed on his contract for the next season. If the 34-year-old doesn’t prove as impactful, Blazers can waive him without significant consequences to their salary cap.

Kings, on the other hand, received two-second rounders that they can use as chips in future trades. Also, there is a salary cap relief involved for the next season, as both Bazemore and Toliver are on expiring contracts.