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3 reasons the Portland Trail Blazers aren’t trading Damian Lillard

By Stevie Cozens

PORTLAND, OREGON - JUNE 03: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers attempts a three point basket against the Denver Nuggets during Round 1, Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center on June 03, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - JUNE 03: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers attempts a three point basket against the Denver Nuggets during Round 1, Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center on June 03, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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There are a ton of trade rumors currently surrounding Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers. After a disappointing end to the season where they lost in six games to the weakened Denver Nuggets, rumors have swirled around his potential trade availability.

Here are 3 reasons why the Portland Trail Blazers aren’t trading Damia Lillard.

Reason #1 – when you trade a top 10 player, you rarely get back equal value

It’s tough for fans of teams to see their star players earning max contracts, and their team only reaches the first or second round of the playoffs. Some fans are quick to say or think about teams blowing it up, but it just isn’t that simple.

Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, you can reel off the names of guys whose teams have traded and got nowhere near the value they should have commanded. Or even if that player has been injured or is a bit older, the team will get even less back.

Damian Lillard is a top-five or even top-ten player in the league. If, for example, this season he requested a trade, you may get six or eight first-round picks back, but the team that gave you these picks would straight away be a strong playoff team, so the picks wouldn’t be in the lottery, let alone top five or ten.

In terms of players coming back, the reason it’s hard to get a good return, is there are never usually other top ten players who are wanting to be moved or have teams that want to move. This means that usually, you end up with a treasure trove of picks and then one good young player.

To trade Lillard right now, they would likely have to blow the entire franchise up, as they wouldn’t get someone back who could help them stay as a consistent playoff team.