Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal 

First, let’s imagine the Blazers do that trade. They move all of their future assets to land a co-star for Lillard. 

Now, imagine they advance to the second round of the playoffs. What now? Lillard is a year older. Suddenly, this team is stuck in mediocrity without the assets to improve. 

By contrast, the Blazers already have a good start to a rebuild. Sharpe has start potential, and Simons is already a star-level contributor. Why not build on that? 

This deal has them doing so. Simmons may or may not be a productive NBA player again in his career. Thomas can score, but he’s not a great fit alongside Simons. That’s fine.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Brooklyn Nets Updates 

Portland can trade him later, and let Simmons’ contract expire. They’re doing this deal for four unprotected first-round picks. 

Should the Nets send them so much draft capital?