Lillard Wanted Blazers To Trade McCollum For Simmons?

Damian Lillard, Ben Simmons, CJ McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

There has been a lot of talk around the NBA surrounding the Portland Trail Blazers in recent days. A lot of attention was bestowed upon the franchise when they fired general manager and president of basketball operations Neil Olshey for the work environment that he created.

With the search for a new front office leader underway, a lot of discussions have been had about what direction the franchise will go in. A snag that they have reportedly hit is what to do with cornerstone and star player, Damian Lillard.

It was reported that Lillard wants a two-year extension that would make him the highest-paid player in the NBA. Already signed through the 2024-25 season, but Lillard is seeking a two-year, $107 million deal on top of that which would pay him $55 million at 36-years old.

People interviewing for the job reportedly find it to be a less attractive one if they feel the need to sign Lillard to that extension. Potential candidates would prefer ownership giving the okay to trade him sooner than later.

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We will learn a lot about what the organization has planned for their future depending on what they do with Lillard. If he receives that extension, they are committed to him long-term. If not, then a trade request could come soon after and Lillard could be on the move.

Lillard has said all of the right things, shutting down reports that he wants to be traded and committing to Portland. Despite that, reports continue to surface about power moves that he and his camp have reportedly attempted that haven’t come to fruition.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Lillard and his team wanted Jason Kidd to be the next head coach of the Trail Blazers, not Chauncey Billups. Lillard has spoken highly of Billups during the season, so something doesn’t add up there.

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Wojnarowski also reported that Damian Lillard and his camp pushed to trade for the team to trade CJ McCollum and four first-round picks for Ben Simmons. The pairing of Lillard and Simmons would be a strong one, as their strengths are a good match for each other. But, would he really throw one of his better friends in McCollum under the bus like that?

There are certainly a lot of moving parts in Portland and it will all be sorted out sooner than later. The one thing we do know is that the Portland Trail Blazers, as currently constructed, will struggle to contend for a title and some roster changes need to occur.

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