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Philadelphia 76ers: A groundbreaking, 4-team mega trade proposition

By Simon Smith

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 28: Markelle Fultz #20 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers react against Melbourne United in the preseason game at Wells Fargo Center on September 28, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 28: Markelle Fultz #20 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers react against Melbourne United in the preseason game at Wells Fargo Center on September 28, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Blazers outlook

After kicking off the season with a 10-3 record, the Portland Trail Blazers have somewhat fallen back to the pack, now finding themselves with a 22-16 record and narrowly inside the Western Conference playoff race. Following an unceremonious first round playoff sweep at the hands of the New Orleans Pelicans last year, it was uncertain just how things would pan out for the Blazers this season.

So after a red hot start, they are now in an eerily familiar position. Despite making the postseason each of the past five seasons, the Blazers have been in the eliminated in the first round on three occasions, and have yet to venture past the second round.,

A common denominator of the past four seasons has been the dynamic backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. While the duo has been one of the most productive backcourts in the league over several seasons, it’s more than likely that one of these two would have to depart in order to garner the greatest possible return while also heralding the start of a new era in Portland.

While McCollum is enjoying another season in averaging 21.1 points per game, he is now 27 and not a complete game-changing presence in comparison to his backcourt partner. Having earned All-NBA First Team honors last season, the 28-year-old Lillard is virtually repeating his output from last season.

A three-time All-Star, Lillard’s ability to shoot from virtually anywhere on the floor means he is naturally the most appealing trade piece for rival teams. However, giving away their franchise player, and the real heart and soul of the team, is clearly not a decision that would be taken lightly on the part of the Blazers’ front office.

In other words, something would really need to knock their socks off for the Blazers to consider trading away their All-Star floor general, especially when taking into consideration the Blazers’ perennial postseason presence.