Does this trade make sense for the Portland Trail Blazers?
There is no reason for the Portland Trail Blazers to trade Damian Lillard unless he were to demand to be moved. Keep that context in mind when evaluating this particular trade because it radically changes the general perception of the return given the decline in leverage for Portland.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: This Blazers-Warriors trade is centered on CJ McCollum to Golden State
We are far removed from the period of time when the Celtics could tout their premium NBA Draft assets as being the key reason for being able to pull off a trade for an elite talent like Damian Lillard. It’s tough to view those picks as valuable when knowing that Boston would have three dynamic talents together.
Even if Damian Lillard were forcing his way out of town, it’s too difficult to take on a bad contract in Kemba Walker as the centerpiece of a trade while not getting back any premium NBA Draft picks or young players. Landing Jaylen Brown in this situation would make it far more worthwhile for the Trail Blazers and it would be fair for them ask for him.
If Kemba Walker to manage to stay healthy and recover his prior form, the perception of this trade scenario would change. He could get a lot of buckets alongside CJ McCollum and keep them competitive. However, Walker’s current value needs to be factored in and it’s…low, to say the least.
