Portland Trail Blazers: 3 players most unlikely to be on team next season

PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 04: Derrick Jones Jr. #55 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots a free throw during an NBA game against the Sacramento Kings at the Moda Center on March 04, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. The Portland Trail Blazers topped the Sacramento Kings 123-119. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

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Player #2 – CJ McCollum

Just typing the name CJ McCollum name into this post is difficult. CJ has been an awesome Blazer, and he is probably the best pure shooter this team has ever had.

CJ’s talent has never been in question. It’s always been his fit that has been of concern. CJ shouldn’t be the scapegoat for this series loss. He has never been a defensive piece, and he plays for a coach who isn’t strong defensively.

CJ didn’t have a great series against the Nuggets by his standards, but he wasn’t why this team lost the series. Because we are likely to see wholesale changes in either coaching, roster, or both, CJ is likely to be one of the casualties.

This is because CJ is the best tradeable asset on the roster. He is one of the best shooters and shot creators in the NBA, and he is still only 29. He also has three years left on his contract, which means the team who trades for him would get value back.

His maximum deal might not look like great value on the surface, but this is the type of deal that fringe All-Star’s like Tobias Harris, Jrue Holiday, and D’Angelo Russell get. He has still provided strong production on this deal and would be an upgrade for a team like the Philadelphia 76ers, who need more shot creation.

I’m not sure that they do go for a mini re-build, but CJ would be one of the guys who would likely be moved if they do.