Philadelphia 76ers: 3 enthralling trades involving Robert Covington

3. Portland Trail Blazers

Having completed their fifth consecutive postseason run, the Portland Trail Blazers have established themselves as one of the more reliable teams in the brutal Western Conference.

However, for as admirable as their efforts have been, they have almost reached their peak with the current roster. Despite finishing third in the standings with a 49-33 record, the Blazers endured a nightmare playoff run, bowing out 4-0 to the New Orleans Pelicans. This marked the second straight season in which they’ve been knocked out in the first round, so questions about their future are bound to be raised.

With this being the case, the issue of who to make available for trade is the logical step. Having being named for the first time to the All-NBA First Team, Damian Lillard is unlikely to be that player. Therefore, this leaves his backcourt partner C.J. McCollum.

At 26, McCollum just completed his third straight season of averaging at least 20 points per game, having missed a total of just five games over this span. While Lillard struggled mightily during their season against the Pelicans, McCollum thrived, averaging 25.3 points per game on outstanding shooting splits of .519/.423/.769.

Clearly one of the elite shooting guards in the league, McCollum’s ability to play off the ball, while possessing the ability to create his own shot, would be a more than welcome addition to the Sixers’ roster.

In addition to Covington, the Blazers would be receiving 2017 No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz. Following a highly publicized rookie campaign that saw him play just 14 regular season games, Fultz could greatly benefit from a complete change of scenery, particularly with the presence of Ben Simmons in the point guard slot.

With the Blazers, Fultz could work in conjunction with Lillard in the backcourt, forming one of the more unique looking partnerships in the league.