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5 Ways Blazers trading 3rd pick in NBA Draft would come back to haunt them

By Tyler Watts

Anfernee Simons (left), Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Anfernee Simons (left), Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Return doesn’t put Blazers into contention

Let us assume Portland trades the number three for the best possible return, does that put them in serious contention? They were 27-31 in the 58 games Damian Lillard played last season, which is a 38-win pace over the full season. If they bring back Jerami Grant and Matisse Thybulle along with adding Lauri Markkanen or DeMar DeRozan are the Blazers in the mix in the Western Conference?

That roster may get them to the playoffs, but they will not be on par with the Nuggets, Warriors, or Suns for the top spots in the West.

Things are also complicated by the competition. No team from last season’s top ten plans on taking a step backward. The Mavericks believe they will be back in the playoffs with Luka Doncic, and the Spurs and Rockets want to exit their rebuilds to move back to contention. Can Portland survive that blood bath and even make the postseason?

If the Blazers qualify, would they be favored in the first round? It appears unlikely, which means they gave up the number three pick to get bounced in the opening round in six games. That seems like a waste and adding another hefty contract would tighten the cap sheet in Portland.