Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, G Cam Thomas, 2023 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHI via BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL via BKN), 2030 First-Round Pick (BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Damian Lillard
With that said, the Nets could take the opposite route. This team could rebuild. Firstly, they don’t need to tank in order to rebuild. Nic Claxton is still young enough to be part of a rebuild, for example. So is Thomas.
The Nets could trade the rest of their core for as many first-round picks as they can, and focus on developing the younger players on their roster.
They could also make a deal with the Rockets. They will owe their draft picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder over the next few years.
The Rockets will be looking to take a step forward. Perhaps they’d send the Nets some of their picks back in exchange for Claxton or Mikal Bridges.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Brooklyn Nets Updates
What the Nets need to avoid is the mediocrity treadmill. This organization needs to make a decision this summer – either go all-in on a star or work towards rebuilding.
Is Lillard the right star to go all in on?
