The Portland Trail Blazers need to make major changes this summer if they are to establish themselves as a powerhouse in the Western Conference. Something that the team’s top star, Damian Lillard, recently publicly requested, in his desire to fight for the championship in Oregon.
A week ago it was shared that they plan to transfer their first round pick in the 2023 draft unless the lottery returns the first pick. But it’s far from the only move Portland management has considered. According to the medium The Oregonianthe Blazers want to add another All-Star-caliber player, and to do that, they’d be willing to part with their best outside players.
Thus, the journalist Aaron Fentress reports that the Blazers would be willing to part with Anfernee Simons and/or Shaedon Sharpe if, in exchange, they manage to add an elite piece of the NBA. Both players are very young and have a lot of potential, but Lillard’s desire is to compete now and not wait for the development of the kids.
It’s a dilemma that could lead the Blazers to release one or two very talented and valuable players, in a move that could become painful down the road if Simons or Sharpe became stars in a different kit. There’s also the possibility that both remain in Portland, leading to a complex competition in the outside game between two different types of players who may not be a perfect fit for Lillard.
This rumor has been fueled by coach Chauncey Billups, who stated that he is not sure if the Blazers will start next season with Simons and Sharpe on the roster. “They are two very, very good young guys. I am quite sure that they have a lot of value anywhere, “said the technician. So, I don’t know the answer to that question. But we’ll see.”
On the contrary, Simons and Sharpe would make an interesting outside duo in the unlikely event that the Blazers opt to cut their losses and trade Lillard, which would mean immersing themselves in a near-complete rebuild.
(Cover photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)