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Biggest winners and losers of the NBA trade deadline

By Jack Duggan

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 27: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers tries to pass over Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 27, 2021 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 27: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers tries to pass over Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 27, 2021 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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Biggest winners and losers of the NBA trade deadline
PORTLAND, OREGON – JANUARY 05: Damian Lillard # 0 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on from the bench prior to the game against the Miami Heat at Moda Center on January 05, 2022 in Portland, Oregon, Biggest winners and losers of the NBA trade deadline. 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 Soobum Im/Getty Images) /

Losers of the NBA trade deadline: Damian Lillard

The Portland Trail Blazers made a flurry of puzzling moves ahead of the trade deadline. First, they moved talented wings Normal Powell and Robert Covington for a return that left many fans wanting more.

Then they traded co-star CJ McCollum to the New Orleans Pelicans for a few young players and draft capital. Finally, they quickly shipped out some of the young talent that they had received from the Pelicans in return for very little.

The only reasonable guess to why Portland made these trades is that they are attempting to create cap space to sign another star player this summer to play alongside superstar Damian Lillard.

This would be great for Dame… if it happens. Portland has never been a major free agency destination, and it is hard to picture that changing in the near future. The upcoming free agency class is not particularly incredible either, especially now that James Harden has made it clear he intends to exercise his 2022 player option. Even if there is a suitable co-star on the market this offseason, it is not a guarantee that they will chose to play for the Trail Blazers.

If the Trail Blazers are unable to sign a co-star for Dame, his situation will continue to look bleak. He will be left with yet another mediocre team that will inevitably fall short of winning a title.

He has reiterated his intent to stay loyal and win a title in Portland, however, after they traded much of his surrounding talent, it’s hard not to wonder if it is time for him to move on from the Trail Blazers.