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Portland Trail Blazers: 3 Blockbuster trades to make this season

By Stevie Cozens

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 06: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on February 06, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 06: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on February 06, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Should the Portland Trail Blazers trade CJ McCollum for
Should the Portland Trail Blazers trade CJ McCollum for /

Portland Trail Blazers trade #1 – Ben Simmons for CJ McCollum

Anytime Ben Simmons is mentioned in a trade fans of most fanbases will laugh at his lack of shooting ability. But, Simmons, as an all-world defender and one of the best passers in the NBA, is a top 20 player in the league regardless of what people think of his shot.

Look at this resume.

3 x All-Star

2 x All-Defensive teams

2019/20 All-NBA

Simmons is just 25 and is one of the best defenders in the entire NBA. At six-foot-ten with a plus wingspan, he can either guard the opposition’s best player or be a help defender that can protect the rim and force turnovers.

Simmons is one of the best ball-handling forwards in the game. As a legitimate point forward in this league, he could be the perfect addition to the Blazers as a guy who can help Lillard move off the ball a little as he ages, and also lead a transition offense with the likes of Norman Powell, Larry Nance Jr, and Anfernee Simons.

He would guard the opposition’s best player every night and totally transform the Blazers defense.

The Blazers would likely need to attach assets in a trade like this, but like the above move for Harris, this would help the Sixers lots with the extra spacing. They would ask for more pieces alongside McCollum, but the better fit of CJ with Embiid would make this trade a win if there was a first-round pick or a young player or two.