Denver Nuggets Receive: G Jrue Holiday
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Michael Porter Jr., 2022 First-Round Pick (MIL), 2028 First-Round Pick (MIL), 2028 First-Round Pick (DEN)
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: G Damian Lillard
That’s more like it. Here’s a package that forces the Portland Trail Blazers to concede a harsh truth: without Lillard, they’re rebuilding.
This package befits that goal. They’re receiving a potential star in Michael Porter Jr. Back injuries have limited his NBA career to date, but if he can overcome them, he’s one of the sweetest shooting forwards in the entire league. He could be instrumental to the next competitive iteration of the Blazers.
The Blazers receive draft capital as additional compensation. Meanwhile, the Nuggets increase their urgency to win now. That’s fine.
Holiday is one of the best defensive guards in the league and a fine playmaker to boot. He’ll help them further that goal.
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Do not mistake this piece for a prediction. It’s more of a thought experiment. If the Blazers put Damian Lillard on the open market, every team that fancies itself a contender will likely be interested.
If the Bucks acquire him, it’ll put the entire NBA in grave danger.
