How This Trade Impacts Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers have made it clear that they do not want to trade Damian Lillard. It is even less likely they would want to send him to the Los Angeles Lakers, but this trade scenario has a lot of intrigue.
Portland doesn’t want to rebuild, so acquiring Russell Westbrook would help keep them competitive. He and C.J. McCollum would make for an intriguing backcourt duo, as McCollum’s shooting would be ideal alongside Westbrook.
In the near future, Westbrook could be theoretically flipped again. As a massive expiring contract, it would be easier to flip him for multiple parts. Should a team get desperate for a point guard in the offseason, Portland could cash in again.
Talen Horton-Tucker would give the Trail Blazers a long-term building block on the wing. At 21-years old, he is only scratching the surface of his potential. On a team, he would be afforded more opportunities with the ball in his hand he could thrive.
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The biggest takeaway for the Trail Blazers from this is those draft picks. By the time the 2025 and 2027 NBA Drafts roll around, there is a chance the Lakers are nowhere close to contending. Lillard would be turning 35 when the 2025 NBA Draft rolls around. Anthony Davis would be 31 and James would be going on 40.
Those picks very well could be high lottery selections, which would set the Trail Blazers up beautifully to add impactful young players to the roster. Or, they could shop those picks and bring in established talent to push the roster forward.
