Why it makes sense for the Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard signed a monster contract extension with the Blazers. They will owe him an eye-popping amount of money over the next four years. It tops out at $54.2 million in 2024-2025. How can the Blazers attempt to build a championship team with that much money wrapped up yearly in one player?
The Blazers finished as the eight-seed this season. Their supporting cast is not the best outside of C.J. McCollum. The Blazers were forced to add Carmelo Anthony in 2019-20. That shows how bad they needed help.
It does not seem like it will get any better because of their financial situation. This would allow the Blazers to unload a huge contract. Yes, they would trade one of the best point guards in the game but what is the alternative? They are not winning with Lillard anyway.
Kyle Kuzma would be a very nice piece at the power forward position. Danny Green would give the Trail Blazers a solid veteran shooting guard. Caruso and Cook are both quality role players and the two first-round picks are nice assets to have.
Sending Lillard to a team like the Lakers is not something that Portland should want to do. Both teams are in the Western Conference and the Lakers are coming off a championship. But, this deal could make some sense.
