If the Portland Trail Blazers want to have any sort of chance of making it far into the postseason – and retaining Damian Lillard – they need to be thinking about participating in major trades.
The Trail Blazers have been floundering for a few years now but it’s never been as dire as it currently is.
Not only are they performing at their worst in years, but rumors of Lillard’s unhappiness have also reached fever pitch and it seems obvious the point guard is ready to bail if things don’t get better fast.
The only reliable way to improve the team is to manage some hefty trades to give Lillard support and get the squad back on track.
Which direction should Portland go moving forward?
3. Ben Simmons
This is the most obvious trade for Portland and the team should move heaven and Earth to make it happen.
It was recently reported that Lillard is interested in playing alongside the currently-benched Philadelphia 76ers big man, which is the most significant reason why the Trail Blazers should make this happen.
Not only would Ben Simmons to Portland make Lillard pleased, but this trade would also greatly enhance their suffering defensive rating.
The Blazers have a lot of young talent but their defense has been one of the worst in the league for years now – Simmons would change that.
With Lillard in the backcourt and Simmons down low, the team could actually become a two-way team and would immediately be in contention for the playoffs again.
The only problem here is that Portland would have to sell the farm to land Simmons and would likely say goodbye to CJ McCollum, Jusuf Nurkic, and more.
But that would be worth it because it would help the team fix their weakest aspect and would also please their biggest star.
2. Myles Turner
Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers is another star that Portland should be focused on.
Turner knows his time in Indiana has come to an end and he’s ready to move on.
Myles Turner had this to say regarding trade rumors. pic.twitter.com/guX4dQxRGV
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 10, 2021
Like Simmons, he would immediately assist the Blazers with their defense.
Turner achieves 12.7 points, 2.3 blocks, and 6.7 rebounds every game and would be a major step-up from what they have now.
Plus he would be better than Simmons in some ways because he would likely be cheaper (they’d still have to lose possibly McCollum and maybe a draft pick) and would have less controversy too.
Remember, a dark cloud hangs above Simmons’ head after the blow-up in Philadelphia but you don’t get that with Turner.
1. Christian Wood
Christian Wood is the biggest success story coming out of the Houston Rockets and would be a fantastic fit in Portland.
Wood is a splendid offensive player who would help Lillard in the shooting department.
But he’s also solid – if not amazing – as a defender too so he would kill two birds with one stone.
Christian Wood 🚫🚫pic.twitter.com/XYL8ZnE0ob
— Rockets Nation (@RocketsNationCP) December 9, 2021
Plus, Wood is young and an up-and-coming star, meaning he would be attained by trading lesser players from Portland, such as Larry Nance Jr. and Nassir Little.
So the Blazers would get more talent for less of a cost and would keep McCollum and Nurkic too.
This trade seems like a huge win for Portland and hopefully, they are thinking about it as the clock keeps ticking.
NEXT: 2 Reasons The Trail Blazers Shouldn't Acquire Ben Simmons
Nance or Little should not be traded if possible.
They are finally energy semi bigs that can help
The team toward a championship
Lose Nurkic. Covington if nesessary only
Keep Dennis for sure. Bye CJ. For Ben no matter what. Dont need picks. Finally have some amazing young talent. Try to get Seth back in the Ben trade.
Coaches need tomspread the talent. Dennis Smith playing every game. Play Greg Brown at least 25 minutes for at least ten games. Pretty sure he is very good