Teams like the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns have found a lot of success in the Western Conference this NBA season, but the Portland Trail Blazers have been trending in the opposite direction. Currently 11-14, the Blazers are in “panic” mode right now and while there is still plenty of basketball yet to be played this season, their roster could be flipped at any moment.
Damian Lillard has been the centerpiece of what has been a playoff contender for years in Portland, but this team has consistently failed to reach the NBA’s biggest stage and they have only made the Western Conference Finals once in their last eight playoff appearances dating back to 2014.
Seeing five first-round exits since 2014, the Trail Blazers have not gone anywhere and really are not a contending team in the Western Conference. Maybe they could pull off a first-round victory, but to think this team has any shot of contending for a title is wishful thinking at this point.
Between their defense being last in the league, Neil Olshey being relieved of his duties last week as General Manager of the team and Damian Lillard continuing to grow frustrated each and every day this team loses, the question for Portland is no longer if Lillard will stay, it is when will they tear everything down?
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard Growing ‘Frustrated’ With Trail Blazers’ Play
This team is on the brink of a full-scale rebuild and even if they acquired another All-Star, it does not seem like they are in any position to contend anymore in the Western Conference. Whether it is CJ McCollum or Damian Lillard getting traded, it seems like Portland is going to look to make a big move in the coming months, which could ultimately lead them to trading both high-level talents.
Damian Lillard has not requested a trade from Portland and he has stated that he wants to remain with the Trail Blazers, but he is 31-years-old and needs to be thinking big picture. With no cap space and no assets, bringing in another high-level talent is going to be extremely hard for this organization to do, which is why the All-Star point guard should want out as soon as possible.
Plenty of teams have lined up to try and acquire Lillard from Portland over the years and this year would be no different should he be available in trade talks. One team who has shown interest before and could go “all-in” to acquire him is the Boston Celtics.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard Growing ‘Frustrated’ With Trail Blazers’ Play
Not only are they in the Eastern Conference, which is favorable to Portland, but Boston already has two young All-Stars on their roster and just need a third superstar in order to be real championship contenders.
Could we see the Celtics pursue Damian Lillard ahead of this season’s trade deadline? Let’s take a look at a trade proposal put together by ESPN’s NBA Insiders team and see if this is a trade that could work out for both Boston and Portland.
