Atlanta Hawks Receive: C/F Kevin Love, 2025 First-Round Pick (CLE)

Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F John Collins, G Collin Sexton, 2027 First-Round Pick (CLE)

Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G Damian Lillard

Here, the Portland Trail Blazers and Cleveland Cavaliers once again enlist a third team. This time, the Blazers opt to add another young star instead of draft capital.

That may suit the Blazers better. As a small-market team, they’re not necessarily keen on long-term rebuilding processes. With Collins and Sexton on the roster, they could actually remain competitive in 2022-23. If they don’t, they’ll at least have gotten significantly younger.

Meanwhile, the Hawks seem eager to get off of Collins’ contract. Arguably, they’re selling low here. Still, acquiring a first-round pick and an expiring contract in exchange for a player they don’t want is a good trade.

Don’t mistake these hypotheticals for predictions. Damian Lillard seems intent on sticking it out with the Blazers. Meanwhile, the team appears intent on keeping him as long as he’s willing to play for them.

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Still, if either side comes to their senses, any of these deals might make sense for both sides. Of course, the desire for the Trail Blazers to part with their franchise cornerstone would likely need to be fueled by a trade request that has yet to be made.