Would this trade make sense for the Portland Trail Blazers?
Outside of their one Western Conference Finals run, the Portland Trail Blazers had been a mediocre playoff team for the better part of the last decade. Now, they face the harsh reality that they aren’t even that anymore. They’re team heading right for the lottery.
Something has to change, and maybe trading McCollum is that thing. This trade won’t see them get the same star power in return, but it would shore up depth and help them both right now and moving forward if they decide to rebuild soon.
Steven Adams would be a huge upgrade to the backup center position, and Kyle Anderson is a versatile wing who can defend and playmake. Both are quality rotation pieces built to help the Blazers compete for the playoffs right now.
As for Brandon Clarke and Ziaire Williams, they are two youngsters that could be part of the next phase of Portland Trail Blazers basketball. Both still have a ton of potential in this league, and while Clarke is definitely more ready to contribute right now, each of them has a lot of room to grow.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 5 Massive Blockbuster Trades To Re-Shape NBA Landscape
Portland would be trying to shake things up by trading McCollum and also preparing for the future. The core in Portland clearly isn’t good enough to win a title, so changing it up might be for the best. The truth hurts.