Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G Jamal Murray, F/C Zeke Nnaji, 2029 First-Round Pick (DEN) 

Denver Nuggets Receive: G Damian Lillard 

In that light, perhaps there is no team that is more aptly exemplifying the dilemma we’re discussing than the Blazers in terms of exemplifying it. 

Until this point, it has been absolutely impossible for this team to part with Lillard. As a result of their performance in the past few years, they haven’t just narrowly missed their goals – they have fallen far short of them. 

Even so, Lillard remains a member of the Blazers. There is a strong chance that the team will land outside of the play-in tournament once again in 2022-23.

Yet somehow, they seem to be set on keeping their franchise point guard for as long as possible. 

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Denver Nuggets Updates

At the same time, it is better to be late than never. There is a possibility that the Blazers will finally come around to the wisdom of trading Dame in the summer. 

Is this the right return for him if they do so?