PROTECT THE PAINT

The Portland Trail Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard pulled off another masterminded trade, sending Steve Blake and Travis Outlaw to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Marcus Camby.

After injuries to both of Portland’s centers Greg Oden and Joel Pryzbilla, the Trail Blazers have been staying afloat with the elder statesman Juwan Howard. Howard turned 37 earlier this month. It was obvious a move would be made, but this move is a potential season-saver, and will benefit both franchises.

What this trade represents for the Clippers is the opportunity to capitalize and get some talent before Camby skips town.

Outlaw and Blake fill needs left vacant by the injuries to Sebastian Telfair and Blake Griffin, but are by no means capable of helping the Clippers reverse the course of this travesty of a season. It does give GM Mike Dunleavy more pieces to further perplex his long term puzzle.

For Portland the move opens up minutes for Jerryd Bayless and Rudy Fernandez while stabilizing the middle with a strong defender, Marcus Camby.

Camby will undoubtedly accelerate for a playoff team and with stars like Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, likely making the Blazers improved and tougher defensively.

The Clippers can afford to trade Camby as they have depth at center with All Star Chris Kaman and young and athletic DeAndre Jordan.

I can’t see this trade hurting either team in the short or long term.

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