Damian Lillard wants to win with the Portland Trail Blazers. He has made that very clear for several years. The seven-time NBA All-Star believes the franchise has the assets to build a team around him that can win.
The Blazers have the third overall pick at the 2023 NBA Draft. It’s been suggested that Portland could package that pick with current players to bring in win-now talent.
According to John Hollinger of The Athletic, the Blazers could package Anfernee Simons and the third pick to acquire an “elite small forward.” Portland is under a lot of pressure to surround Lillard with more talent since the future Hall of Famer has remained loyal to the franchise for so many years despite several stars around the NBA requesting trades.
“Note that I said ‘the team at No. 3’ because of widespread speculation the Trail Blazers, who currently own the pick, will seek to trade out of the third position rather than select another young player,” Hollinger wrote. “With Portland in ‘win it for Dame’ mode and the Blazers desperate for playable wings (even presuming they re-sign Jerami Grant), speculation is already widespread that a package of the third pick and Anfernee Simons might be used to snag an elite small forward.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Portland has missed the playoffs two years in a row after making the postseason eight consecutive years. Lillard, 32, appeared in 58 games this season, averaging 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists. He signed a two-year, $121.8 million maximum veteran extension in July 2022.
The Blazers won just 33 games in 2022-23. It’s possible the team could get a star player for Simons and the third pick in this year’s draft. Simons is a talented scorer who has a lot of upside. He averaged 21.1 points this season while shooting 37.7% from beyond the arc. The Florida native is only 23 years old.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
It will be fascinating to see what the Blazers do this summer. One thing is certain, though: Lillard needs more help to compete in the rugged Western Conference.
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