The Portland Trail Blazers could look vastly different in the coming weeks and months leading into the NBA trade deadline as they will be under new management.
Joe Cronin has taken over as interim general manager from Neil Olshey, who also held the president of basketball operations title, following an investigation into the workplace environment.
The investigation found enough evidence that Olshey was fired, changing the trajectory of the organization. The new general manager, should Cronin not lock down the job, will have some difficult decisions to make.
Chief among them will be what to do with their superstar point guard, Damian Lillard. Lillard is reportedly seeking an extension this offseason that will make him the highest-paid player in the NBA, adding two years and $107 million to his existing deal.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Blazers Front Office Encouraged After Talks With Lillard, McCollum
Lillard was the subject of some pieces written following Olshey’s firing and there were some unflattering things shared about him. He reportedly wants significant changes to be made to the roster and would like those to include the acquisition of Ben Simmons.
Lillard and his camp reportedly pushed for the organization to trade multiple first-round picks and C.J. McCollum to Philadelphia.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Blazers Front Office Encouraged After Talks With Lillard, McCollum
Lillard has since stated that he is committed to Portland and wants to win there. But, could it be in the best long-term interest for the team to trade him this offseason instead of signing him to an extension? One team that would love to have him is the Philadelphia 76ers.
Let’s take a look at this hypothetical deal that would land Damian Lillard in The City of Brotherly Love.
