Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal

Here’s a fact we can’t stress enough: the Portland Trail Blazers have a weird year in 2021-22.

They were one of the worst teams in the league. On paper, they shouldn’t have been. Lillard’s injury led them to realize this team was too shallow. Most teams would have rebuilt – the Blazers are not most teams.

Lillard infamously prides himself in refusing to “run from the grind”. It feels like Dame would rather lose with the Blazers than win with a superteam. Meanwhile, the organization seems intent on keeping him as well.

With all that context, Portland should be making win-now moves. This deal would certainly qualify. A frontcourt of Turner, Grant, and Hart ought to be among the best defensive frontlines in the NBA. Meanwhile, the Blazers will, as they often have, generate most of their offense through the backcourt.

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If all goes well, the Blazers may not have much of a grind to run from. This could be the most competitive version of this club we’ve seen in the Lillard era.