Damian Lillard will always be a Portland Trail Blazer. We don’t mean that literally. Lillard’s immediate future with the organization ahead of a pivotal NBA offseason can be rightfully questioned. This team has been in a rut for a few seasons now.
We’re talking about Lillard’s legacy. If he leaves the Blazers to go join a contender, that’s one thing. The history books will always remember him as a Blazer. With that in mind, Lillard probably isn’t eager to leave the only organization he’s ever called home.
If the Blazers can find him some help this summer, that would likely be preferable for all parties. Here are three stars we think they could target this summer.
Jaylen Brown
Of course, Damian Lillard isn’t the only superstar who could be available this summer. Rumors are swirling around Jaylen Brown. The Celtics star has made comments that suggest he’d like to leave Boston. If he would, the Blazers should probably capitalize.
In fact, Brown would likely be the best co-star Lillard has had in Portland. As talented as CJ McCollum is, he and Lillard proved to be a problematic backcourt on the defensive end.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
That won’t be an issue with Brown. He’s a big guard (in fact he often plays the 3) who excels on the defensive end. He’d also give Lillard another elite shot-creator to draw defensive attention. He could be the perfect co-star for Lillard – unless the Blazers want to land a playmaker, that is.
Pascal Siakam
If the Blazers want a playmaker, they’ll need a specific type. Firstly, they won’t want anyone who plays point guard. Obviously, Lillard plays that position. In all likelihood, the Blazers don’t want to form another small backcourt, either.
With that in mind, a playmaking forward would be ideal. If they double as a strong defensive playmaker, that would be a huge bonus. Enter Siakam.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
He may be the perfect trade target for the Blazers. If the Raptors make him available this summer, Portland should pounce on the opportunity. If he isn’t, they may have to look elsewhere.
Karl-Anthony Towns
We know. We’ve identified two stars who play strong defense. Now, we’ve abandoned that motif entirely. Perhaps this isn’t optimal for Portland. With that said, we shouldn’t assume the best-case situation will be available. Teams are apprehensive about letting two-way stars go.
On the other hand, Towns’ defense has arguably been limiting the Wolves for years. They may be ready to move on from him. That doesn’t mean he’s the right target for Portland. There would be significant defensive concerns here. On the other hand, a Lillard/Towns pairing could lead to the best offense in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
If the Blazers can retain Jerami Grant and flesh the rest of their starting lineup out with strong defenders, this could work. It may not be the path most of their fans would prefer. At the same time, they may prefer it to losing Lillard altogether.
