The Blazers have currently traded CJ McCollum for Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Tomas Satoransky, Didi Louzada, a 2022 protected first round picks and 2 Second round picks. They are right now out of the Play-In spot and Dame might be out for the rest of the season and might start to prepare for next season. The Blazers’ management is trying to build around Dame with Draft Picks and Cap Space. With these kind of situation, the Blazers might end up with 2 lottery picks this upcoming Draft. Guys like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Anfernee Simmons, Keon Johnson might have more playing time this season with Dame seating out.
Trade Nurkic:
Trading Nurkic can clear up cap space and trade for a valuable piece. They can trade Nurkic guys like Myles Turner, Terry Rozier, Clint Capela, Jerami Grant, etc.
Free Agency:
The Blazers traded their guards (McCollum & Powell) not only for Draft picks, but for cap space. They might pursue some big names like Harden if Harden wants the idea of playing with Dame in Portland, Bradley Beal can be available if he opts out his player option, former All Star Victor Oladipo can join the city of Portland if Miami decides not to resign Oladipo.
Draft:
With the Blazers pingpong ball & Pelicans pingpong ball own by the Blazers, it seems interesting if the Blazers will trade their picks or pick talent in the draft. If they decide to pick talent in the Draft, the Pelicans pick might land outside the top 4 and Blazers might land in the 8th pick as of right now (via Tankathon).
Time to Move On Damian Lillard?
Should the Blazers keep or trade Dame? If the Blazers keep Dame, It might take wasted years from Dame’s prime. If Blazers moves on from Dame, they can get a really good price for him.
Blazers can trade Lillard to…
The Kings for De’Aaron Fox & Picks. Since the Kings traded for Sabonis, the Kings might pair Lillard and Sabonis. This will make the Kings playoff contenders easily.
The Cavaliers for Sexton, Love, & Draft compensation. Cavs are right now a cotender and adding Lillard can compete with teams like BKN, Bucks, 76ers.
The 76ers for Ben Simmons, 2 valuable role players, & draft compensation. Pairing Embiid & Harden can be a balance of Defense and Offense in Philly.
The Heat for Herro & Lowry. This will make the Heat make their own Big 3. Lillard will be the 1st option in Offense, Butler will be the facilitator on both ends, Bam will be the Rim Protector/ Lob threat.
The Warriors for Wiggins, valuable assets and picks. Making Lillard the 3rd Splash Brother since the departure of KD. Making GS offense increase but defense might dip down.
The Celtics for Brown, valuable assets, & draft compensation. Making a Guard/Forward duo in Boston since Thomas/Horford.
In conclusion, Blazers should not blow this rebuild. They need to be smart on who should they sign, what to trade for, what to draft, and build a staff that can develop players and win now. I want to make the Warriors an example, last season GS was in Portland’s situation surrounding Steph in trade rumors to LA, trading their young core for another big piece, and saying GS has wasted Steph’s prime. Fast forward next season GS has been dominant in the West, Blazers should take this opportunity to rebuild and they are in a good spot to sign big names, pick good young players in the draft, trade for valuable assets. Blazers you need to impress Dame ASAP!