Wahl: Borchers on his way to Portland for allocation money

Grant Wahl, SI reporter and an ever-reliable source, is reporting that Nat Borchers has been traded to Portland for allocation money.

Hearing Portland has acquired Nat Borchers in a trade with Salt Lake for allocation money. Good veteran MLS defender.

— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) December 4, 2014

The move is a somewhat surprising one, but with Borchers' salary a substantial one, the move makes some sense. However, with Aaron Maund's option being declined, and with Carlos Salcedo's status somewhat up in the air after he asked that he not return to the club, Chris Schuler is the only center back at the club whose status is known at this point.

The move is not yet confirmed, but Wahl is a reliable source. Portland has perennially been in need of a reliable center back, too.

Borchers joined Real Salt Lake in 2008 from Norwegian outfit Odd Grenland (although it is worth noting that his beard came only in the last year) and made 205 appearances, all of which were starts, in that time. He also scored at least one goal a year in that time.