Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
We’ve mentioned Damian Lillard so much in this piece that one could be forgiven if one had to re-read it. Is this a Simons trade, or a Lillard trade?
It’s a Simons trade. Still, Lillard looms on this transaction. The Blazers are doing this deal because of his presence on their roster – one way or another.
It could be the calm before the storm. If the Blazers are rebuilding, they could prioritize draft capital over the young Simons. In that event, this would foreshadow a Lillard deal.
Alternatively, the Blazers could be preparing to land Lillard a star. In that event, they may think it will be easier to trade two unprotected first-round picks.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Miami Heat & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Portland could package these picks with Shaedon Sharpe, contracts and more draft capital to land just about anybody.
In that event, this would simply be a new beginning.
