Does this trade make sense for the Portland Trail Blazers?
At some point, a team just has to decide to blow it up when they are not winning. The Portland Trail Blazers have become a staple in the postseason for many years but have been unable to take that step toward a championship. After four first-round exits in five years, that time could be coming quick.
If Damian Lillard tries to force his way out, it is the only way he will be traded. It is unlikely that Portland decides to trade one of the best players in the league on its own.
The same cannot be said about CJ McCollum and the return will be large from a team like Utah. Clarkson has shown an improvement in his game that led to the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Other players like Ingles in O’Neal would bring in depth and experience into a team that could use both. It’s important to embrace having depth and cohesive talents to surround Lillard with if the plan remains to keep building around him. Both of these players would certainly help in this regard.
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With Damian Lillard at the top of the offense, the Blazers will always be in a good position. They have struggled to put depth and explosiveness around him, which is a reason they keep coming up just short. This trade would give them both next to Lillard immediately.
