Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G Jamal Murray, F JaMychael Green, 2027 First-Round Pick (DEN)

Denver Nuggets Receive: G Damian Lillard

This deal finds the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets swapping floor generals.

The Blazers get a first-round pick because Lillard is the best player in this deal. With that said, if Murray can continue on the trajectory he was on before this season’s injury, this could be a steal for the Blazers.

It also feels like a more suitable trade given its organizational principles. This club is not known for long-term rebuilding projects. In all likelihood, they’d rather bring in a player who can impact winning now. Murray qualifies, and at 25, he has ample room to grow.

On the other hand, maybe we shouldn’t judge this organization based on its past decisions. If they do decide to move on from Lillard, it may be in favor of launching a long-term rebuilding project.

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In that event, they’ll need to enlist a third team to get the draft capital they’re looking for.