As this is already the eighth season of the Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum partnership, they have only reached the Western Conference Finals once in 2019. Additionally, the Portland Trail Blazers have the longest streak of consecutive playoff appearances as they have not missed the playoffs since 2013. Their core is talented with Lillard and McCollum and several surrounding pieces that have changed over the past years.
The inability for one of the best backcourts to coexist and propel Portland to consistent deep playoff runs have hindered their ability to progress and develop every season. It is also difficult for them to attract big name free agents because they are a small market franchise. Thus, it seems imperative for Portland to pull the trigger, breakup the tandem, and try experimenting other pieces that would benefit their future.
3 Best Blazers trades for CJ McCollum
Domantas Sabonis, Jeremy Lamb
The Indiana Pacers is another franchise that is having trouble finding their chemistry and rhythm with four phenomenal players on their roster. They seem to be another team that needs a few moves to bolster their standing in the Eastern Conference because they just have a similar performance to Portland every season. The Blazers have Jusuf Nurkic, Larry Nance Jr, and Cody Zeller on their team, but Sabonis is an All-Star that brings an all-around skill set to Portland.
With the lack of scorers and playmakers to complement Lillard, Sabonis could facilitate the offense as well and provide a hefty presence on the paint every game. With Lillard flourishing on pick and roll situations, Sabonis is a roller that is a tremendous threat at those spots. Moreover, McCollum is a remarkable ball handler that could aid Malcolm Brogdon with his ball handling duties.
Caris LeVert has been underwhelming ever since he donned a Pacers jersey, while T.J. Warren is still hampered by an injury from last season. This deal benefits both sides and both franchises are in dire need of a change in their roster.
Pascal Siakam
After the sensational second team All-NBA performance by Pascal Siakam, his performance drastically plummeted ever since the bubble. Head coach Nick Nurse has him still involved in the offensive sets, but there are games where he looks disinterested and lacks the willingness and effort on both ends of the court. With Portland still having trouble searching for a wing player, Siakam could be an effective piece on their roster.
Robert Covington is starting at the four position, but his performance has been up-and-down for the Blazers. Siakam brings versatility and interior presence to a team that focuses on their guard play. For the Toronto Raptors, McCollum and Fred VanVleet will complement each other because either one could still flourish even without the ball on their hands.
Toronto could also afford unload Siakam because they have several forwards that are incredible as well, such as OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes.
Buddy Hield and Tyrese Haliburton
The Sacramento Kings is another franchise that is on shambles as they have not reached the playoffs since 2006, and it does not look like they are close to returning anytime soon. Their roster is guard-heavy and ex-head coach Luke Walton could not find the combination that would excel on both ends of the court. McCollum brings stability and veteran experience to a franchise that is eager for any sort of help. He could play off the ball with De'Aaron Fox and constantly feed Richaun Holmes on the shaded lane as well.
This trade will cost the Kings two of their reliable guards, but it seems ideal to acquire a proven scorer in McCollum. Buddy Hield and Tyrese Haliburton would not necessarily both stay in Portland for the long run, but these two individuals are attractive pieces that could attract another deal for their organization. Portland could keep one of them to help Lillard and Norman Powell, while having the opportunity to acquire a bruiser or wing to their lineup.
These trades may all not even occur because Portland is attached to the duo of Lillard and McCollum, but their front office must consider these trades before the trade deadline. The Ben Simmons swap may have been the most ideal, but that would have already been executed if both squads were willing to let go of their stars. As the Blazers do not seem like close to a blockbuster move, their underwhelming season continues under the leadership of McCollum while Lillard recovers from his abdominal injury.
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