Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum have been one of the longest standing star duos in the NBA. The Portland Trail Blazers guards have been together since 2013, for eight full seasons.

But there's reportedly a good chance that their run together in Portland comes to an end this offseason. Jason Quick, the Blazers beat reporter for The Athletic, notes that it's looking more and more like McCollum is out in Portland.

“For the first time, I believe the likelihood of McCollum being traded this summer is probable, if not certain.

Because of his contract ($30.8 million in 2021-22, $33.3 million in 2022-23 and $35.8 million in 2023-24) and his talent, McCollum is the quickest and easiest way to improve — or at least shake up — the Blazers.

Even Blazers GM Neil Olshey, who has long valued McCollum perhaps more than the rest of the league, seemed to soften his no-trade-CJ stance in his postseason address to the media, saying “nothing is ever off the table if it advances us closer to a championship.”

This news isn't exactly surprising, and some would argue long overdue, but the parting of the guards is definitely a solemn moment for the two close friends as well as for Blazers fans who have seen how well Lillard and McCollum could play off of one another when everything was clicking.

But after several failed attempts to muster up a true title contender, change has swept through the previously unadventurous Blazers. And it looks like CJ McCollum has been designated as the odd man out.