Making the Case: Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard has been a member of the Portland Trail Blazers for ten seasons and has many classic playoff moments to show for it. Though the team could never build a contender around him, they have plenty to celebrate from the Lillard era. It may be time to move on before it’s too late.
Lillard is only 31 now, and can still produce at an All-Star level, particularly on the offensive end. Since he may not be at that level in 3 or 4 years, Portland should flip him for a younger centerpiece.
Jaylen Brown would be an ideal centerpiece to build a new identity around. Brown is one of the league’s best two-way guards, a ferocious defender who can score 25+ points per game. Brown’s youth (he’s still just 25 years old) makes him a better fit with the members of Portland’s roster than Lillard.
The Trail Blazers have enjoyed the emergence of young guard Anfernee Simons (22 years old), and recently acquired guard/forward Josh Hart (27).
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Center Jusuf Nurkic is still just 27, and the team has a plethora of young promising wings. In fact, Lillard is the only player under contract for next season over the age of 30 – he simply doesn’t fit with the rest of the group.
In addition to adding Brown’s star-power, adding Daniel Theis would bolster the Blazers’ bench depth. Theis has shown an ability to play alongside another center in Boston, so the Blazers could even try playing him alongside Nurkic.
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With two first-rounders to compensate the Blazers for parting with a long-time franchise superstar, this deal shakes out to be about even. It sets Portland up for a more promising future, while giving Boston the extra offensive kick to take them from title contender to title favorite.
