“He doesn’t want to be on a team where it’s just 3 All-Stars or 3 superstars… He just wants a team that has a shot.”
That’s all Damian Lillard wants out of this offseason’s Blazers trades and/or free agent signings, according to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes. He wants a shot to compete, and he wants it in Portland. Not only is that fair, it should be doable for general manager Joe Cronin and the Trail Blazers front office.
We’re not talking about a package of Shaedon Sharpe, Anfernee Simons, Scoot Henderson, and future first-round picks to try and pry Victor Wembanyama away from the San Antonio Spurs. We’re more on the level of Simons for a few veteran wings or a cheap rotation big off the free agent market.
It’s time to move on from discussing Lillard trades. If that happens, there will be plenty to break down then. And, frankly, I think we’re all sick of talking about it.
It’s time to think about realistic Blazers trades and give Lillard the veterans he desires
It’s time to move on from attempting to acquire Mikal Bridges, Jaylen Brown, or even Zion Williamson. It’s not happening. It’s time to accept those types of trades weren’t available to the Blazers, hence the selection of Henderson with the No. 3 pick.
It’s time to start talking about realistic moves Portland can make to give Lillard his shot. There should be no more aiming for the moon.
Will this require an overpay? Probably. Could the Blazers end up dealing someone like Simons for 75 cents on the dollar? It’s likely. If the goal is to get Dame to stay in Portland and give him some help, it’s time to accept reality.
So let’s do that.