Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F/C Robert Williams III, C Al Horford, G Derrick White, 2023 First-Round Pick (BOS), 2025 First-Round Pick (BOS)

Boston Celtics Receive: G Damian Lillard

If the Portland Trail Blazers are rebuilding, acquiring a 24-year-old defensive anchor in Robert Williams III is a step in the right direction.

The Blazers get one fewer pick from the Celtics than they did in the Denver deal. That’s because Williams III is significantly more reliable than MPJ. He’s already co-anchoring a contending the Celtics’ defense with Marcus Smart. He would be a tremendously valuable building block for a future-focused team.

Meanwhile, the Blazers still get two first-round picks for parting with their franchise player. Al Horford and Derrick White are included for contract matching purposes. The Blazers would likely look to re-route each in separate transactions after this trade with the Celtics.

Saying goodbye to Damian Lillard would mark the end of an era in Portland. It won’t be easy. He’s beloved in the community and by the organization.

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Sometimes, the hardest path to take is the right one.