After failing to make the NBA playoffs, the Portland Trail Blazers have some work to do this offseason. If Damian Lillard decides to stay with the team, they’ll surely be in search of upgrades.
With a first-round pick currently holding the fifth-best odds for the No. 1 overall pick, the Blazers could end up with useful trade assets, depending on how the NBA Lottery shakes out. If they get lucky enough, no trade would be necessary. If they stand pat, making a deal could be the move.
One NBA scout recently spoke to NBA Analysis Network about possible trade targets for the Trail Blazers to put around Lillard. One of the names mentioned was Brooklyn Nets breakout star Mikal Bridges.
“There are many directions the Blazers can go this summer. A lot will depend on what Dame wants to do. That’s hard to tell right now since it’s so early. If you bank on every little rumbling, you’ll have a lot of conflicting info by the time the Combine even starts. One player I know he really would like to play with is Mikal Bridges. That doesn’t mean he has to do it in Brooklyn, though. That’s a trade target I’d keep an eye on if Portland tries to add a piece around Dame.”
From a fit standpoint, Bridges makes a lot of sense as a co-star to Lillard. Along with being an elite-level perimeter defender, he’s proven he can take on a bigger offensive load. In 27 games with the Nets this season, Bridges averaged 26.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets, Damian Lillard & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Lillard is an elite offensive talent but has his shortcomings on the other end of the floor. That being said, if Portland is going to maximize him, they’ll need an array of defense around him.
They’ve started this blueprint by bringing in players like Cam Reddish and Matisse Thybulle. Adding a player like Bridges would greatly increase their ceiling on the defensive end.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets, Damian Lillard & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
If the Blazers are unable to retain Jerami Grant in free agency, they’ll be in need of a new running mate for their franchise star. While Bridges might be an ideal fit, acquiring him might be a tough task. Seeing that he was the main piece from the Kevin Durant trade, Brooklyn likely views him as a foundational piece for the next phase of the franchise.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here.
