Breaking up the band: Part Two – A Damian Lillard trade
The two key differences in trading Lillard instead of McCollum
1. The returning assets
If Portland decides to trade Lillard, I don’t think it would mean they are tearing down and rebuilding. Instead, it could mean the organization has faith in CJ taking up the reigns. In addition, the assets coming back could bring an All-Star level player. Finally, additional assets such as a young player and/or multiple draft picks would go a long way in improving the rest of the team.
For example, in the hypothetical Simmons for Lillard trade, I mentioned having three first-round picks returning in addition to Simmons. This deal allows Portland to have three draft picks to reroute somewhere else in pursuit of more talent. Add in the recent addition of Larry Nance Jr, and you further add to the same kind of asset/roster pool that I described earlier. With Nance Jr. as a possible plug-in starter, you could put together a couple of starters, any combination of Covington, Powell, Nurkic, or even Nance Jr. himself. Package that with the three picks from the Philly trade and see its value for the team. Could Portland finally be close to having an All-Star level Big Three?
I’d be curious if a package of Covington and Nance Jr with three first-round picks from Philly or Boston would get you close to obtaining Pascal Siakam? Does a Jaylen Brown/Pascal Siakam or Simmons/Siakam frontcourt with the remaining three starters make this team a contender? I’m not saying this is what will happen, simply that this is the kind of thinking that makes you hesitate to trade CJ if you can get a big enough package for Lillard. Maybe the incoming haul nets the team enough to turn Portland into a contender finally. Would fans be willing to make that trade?
2. It’s going to really upset some people
Not that trading CJ won’t upset people, but Dame has been something special for the franchise. This second part of the article has required me to play a bit of devil’s advocate as I do not want to see the franchise’s face get traded. I also don’t want to see the team continue to remain stuck in the mud as a one-and-done first-round playoff exit every year. No matter what the return is, fans are going to revolt against a Dame trade.
Part of the culture of Blazer fans has been to have incredible loyalty to its players. Damian Lillard has shown that loyalty in return. He has been a phenomenal team leader, helping to create a team culture of accountability and high integrity. Not to mention countless unforgettable Blazer highlights and memories. Players like that are not easily replaceable.
Which route do you think the organization should take? Do you think the current roster is the path to take? Let us know in the comments below.