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4 NBA trades for All-Stars that would shake up the league

By Dan Bennett

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 27: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket against Brandon Ingram #14 and Steven Adams #12 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on January 27, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 27: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket against Brandon Ingram #14 and Steven Adams #12 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on January 27, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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4 NBA trades for All-Stars that would shake up the league
Feb 11, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles the ball as Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons (25) defends during the first half at Moda Center, 4 NBA trades for All-Stars that would shake up the league. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA trades for All-Stars that would shake up the league: Damian Lillard for Ben Simmons trade

76ers receive: Damian Lillard

Trail Blazers receive: Ben Simmons, Tyrese Maxey, 2022 First-Round Pick, 2024 First-Round Pick

Rumors prior to the start of the NBA season had suggested Damian Lillard might be interested in a trade away from the Portland Trail Blazers. Those rumors have seemingly quietened now, following a report from ESPN’S Adrian Wojnarowski that he is not available for trade. Lillard also reaffirmed his commitment to the franchise during training camp.

But the 76ers’ interest in Lillard is not going anywhere, and Wojnarowski also reported that several teams are optimistic of the star point guard eventually asking for a trade.

Portland and Philadelphia have long been touted as trade partners in a possible deal for the unsettled Ben Simmons. At this point, it would seem more likely that CJ McCollum would be the player sent the other way, but the 76ers are one of the teams that can offer a good package should the Lillard situation change.

Simmons has not played the entire season as he tries to secure a trade to a different team, but is perhaps the best defensive player in the league when at his best. His offensive weaknesses are a concern, but Portland would get a young star to build around and to pair with an excellent shot creator and shooter in McCollum.

It might not reap the rewards straight away, but Portland would be able to build a new team with Simmons, an extremely exciting prospect in Tyrese Maxey, and would also have additional picks to draft more young talent.

The team has stagnated in recent seasons, and a fresh start with plenty coming the other way to build a new team might be the best course for the Blazers.

Philly would be getting a superstar guard that is perhaps the best clutch player in the history of the NBA to pair with another superstar in Joel Embiid,  instantly propelling the team towards serious title contention.