Does this trade make sense for the Portland Trail Blazers?
It is hard to imagine the Portland Trail Blazers trading Damian Lillard on their own. They drafted him out of Weber State and watched him develop over the years. Now that he is elite, the Blazers would want to keep him in town but that might not be an option. If that is the case, it is all about the return.
Portland would need some replacements in the backcourt right away. There are few that can matchup with Lillard head-to-head so the Blazers could get two players in Russell and Beasley.
This brings depth to the backcourt along with McCollum, who would have to become the new focal point for the first time in his career. However, the Trail Blazers would also have the option of rolling with a younger backcourt and moving McCollum altogether.
Portland would be set into a bit of a rebuild and this is where the draft capital would come into play. The Trail Blazers might still be able to sneak into the postseason but they are definitely not winning a championship if Damian Lillard is traded. This would be a way to remain competitive after moving Lillard.
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The Blazers might have no choice but to move Lillard. This will not make fans happy but the front office will have to make sure they get the right return for their superstar.
