Lillard: I don't want to be a part of a rebuild.

[tester551]

I have a steaming hot take… if the Sixers know Harden is leaving this summer and the Sixers don’t make it past round 2… aaaannnnddd the Blazers get the #1 pick. I think they would trade it for Embiid.

*runs and hides*

To your point tho, you’re correct about the Blazers being in a rough spot for trades. That said, I don’t think the public nature of the talks makes much of a difference. Even if it’s behind closed doors from the public, it would still be pretty well known knowledge within NBA circles.

Embiid is the only player that I think I'd trade the #1 pick for (maybe Evan Mobley)....

Giannis?

I’ll be honest, I would trade the Wemby pick for Giannis and not even blink an eye.

Agreed. He spaced my mind

[GEE]

FOOD FOR THOUGHT... Remember just a few weeks ago when we mysteriously just ran out of healthy PGs, and the fix for Chauncey was to start Sharpe at PG. This was created IMO, to turn up the pressure on the kid, throw him into the deep end, and just see what happens if he's given the task. Remember how that resulted?

POINT BEING... Sharpe has handles too, and we're also likely to have them somewhat (maybe alot) at the PF position in Winslow(if healthy), Watford(definitely) and Simmons when Dame gets traded (kidding... sorta).

AND THIS: Anyone wanting to trade our barely legal drinking age, potential 50/40/90, Slam Dunk Champ that was just this year mentioned with Dame and Grant as All-Star candidates - is off their freakin' rocker. Dame can stay or go (His choice), but I'd guess there's about a 1% chance Simons or Sharpe get traded. Not Happening.

I have no idea what you are talking about. The only people mentioning Simon's and Grant as ALL stars was the Blazers own announcers. No one else thought they would be All Stars.

Wow, you really missed the much bigger point I was trying to make: Sharpe showed decent handles when thrown into the fire to play starting PG, with little help. This was a test, for now we know that Sharpe can help Simons because he is also a good ball handler. Meaning, A Simons/Sharpe pairing doesn't lack ball handling or play making in the slightest.

And iirc, Simons was on the ballot to receive votes, to possibly make the All-Star game with Dame and Grant. THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. And I'm 99% CERTAIN we will eventually, and hopefully soon, see Simons full potential once we move on from all things Dame.

Simons/Sharpe/Grant... CAN'T WAIT

[monopoman]

I will also point out even in these hypothetical #1 for Embiid or Giannis we still need salary filler to get there. So it's probably something like Simons+Nurkic+#1 pick for Giannis or Embiid. Though I guess we could include another Bucks or Sixers player to make it more equitable.

If we had say 30 million in cap space it's another matter entirely about trading the #1 pick straight up.

[Norm2953]

FOOD FOR THOUGHT... Remember just a few weeks ago when we mysteriously just ran out of healthy PGs, and the fix for Chauncey was to start Sharpe at PG. This was created IMO, to turn up the pressure on the kid, throw him into the deep end, and just see what happens if he's given the task. Remember how that resulted?

POINT BEING... Sharpe has handles too, and we're also likely to have them somewhat (maybe alot) at the PF position in Winslow(if healthy), Watford(definitely) and Simmons when Dame gets traded (kidding... sorta).

AND THIS: Anyone wanting to trade our barely legal drinking age, potential 50/40/90, Slam Dunk Champ that was just this year mentioned with Dame and Grant as All-Star candidates - is off their freakin' rocker. Dame can stay or go (His choice), but I'd guess there's about a 1% chance Simons or Sharpe get traded. Not Happening.

I have no idea what you are talking about. The only people mentioning Simon's and Grant as ALL stars was the Blazers own announcers. No one else thought they would be All Stars.

Wow, you really missed the much bigger point I was trying to make: Sharpe showed decent handles when thrown into the fire to play starting PG, with little help. This was a test, for now we know that Sharpe can help Simons because he is also a good ball handler. Meaning, A Simons/Sharpe pairing doesn't lack ball handling or play making in the slightest.

And iirc, Simons was on the ballot to receive votes, to possibly make the All-Star game with Dame and Grant. THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. And I'm 99% CERTAIN we will eventually, and hopefully soon, see Simons full potential once we move on from all things Dame.

Simons/Sharpe/Grant... CAN'T WAIT

I'll be fascinated if the Blazers somehow win the lottery. The Build around Lillard fans will sacrifice Victor
to have 3-4 years of trying to compete for a title but I wonder how many years a team built around
Victor/Sharpe would be contending for a title?

Build around Sharpe/Victor requires a longer term approach for neither player will be at his athletic peak until
2025-6. Simons as the shooter away from the ball might be dangerous as the third option. This of course assumes
Victor doesn't fall into the same mold as the other big men drafted by Portland. Portland however would have
control over Sharpe/Victor throughout their rookie contract and through RFA.

[DusterBuster]

I have no idea what you are talking about. The only people mentioning Simon's and Grant as ALL stars was the Blazers own announcers. No one else thought they would be All Stars.

Wow, you really missed the much bigger point I was trying to make: Sharpe showed decent handles when thrown into the fire to play starting PG, with little help. This was a test, for now we know that Sharpe can help Simons because he is also a good ball handler. Meaning, A Simons/Sharpe pairing doesn't lack ball handling or play making in the slightest.

And iirc, Simons was on the ballot to receive votes, to possibly make the All-Star game with Dame and Grant. THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. And I'm 99% CERTAIN we will eventually, and hopefully soon, see Simons full potential once we move on from all things Dame.

Simons/Sharpe/Grant... CAN'T WAIT

I'll be fascinated if the Blazers somehow win the lottery. The Build around Lillard fans will sacrifice Victor
to have 3-4 years of trying to compete for a title but I wonder how many years a team built around
Victor/Sharpe would be contending for a title?

Build around Sharpe/Victor requires a longer term approach for neither player will be at his athletic peak until
2025-6. Simons as the shooter away from the ball might be dangerous as the third option. This of course assumes
Victor doesn't fall into the same mold as the other big men drafted by Portland. Portland however would have
control over Sharpe/Victor throughout their rookie contract and through RFA.

If the Blazers get the #1 pick this year, I could literally care less what they do because it’s playing with house money. Want to go for win now? Trade it and get Embiid. Want to sit on the fence, do Dame and Wemby? Sure! I think Lillard will be fine staying for the rest of his career if the Blazers get the #1 and make the pick. Want to build around Wemby? Trade Lillard and let’s go! Literally anything the Blazers do if they get the #1 pick next month is fine by me.

[monopoman]

Lillard seemed to imply that he felt we should move a lower pick, I would be blown away to see him balk at keeping the #1 pick because Wemby looks like a game changer.

The dude looks like an alien but his ability to move with his ridiculous wing-span and height is so rare. I would not be surprised to see him be one of the most dominant players in the NBA in a few years. There is a reason why teams were so damn eager for a #1 pick this year. ****, I would say a #1 pick this year is probably worth a #1 pick for the next 2 or 3 seasons in a row if Wemby lives up to the hype.

[BlazersBroncos]

Simons/Sharpe/Grant... CAN'T WAIT

'Jordan Poole / Harrison Barnes...CANT WAIT'.

[Sinobas]

Blazers should be careful about dealing a top 5-6 pick for a vet in an attempt to "win now" with Lillard.

It was the same mistake Brooklyn made years ago when they traded the #6 for Gerald Wallace, massive massive failure that move was on their part.

[Dzon Dilindzer]

trail blazers should not trade top 5 pick at all

if dame lillard doesnt like it and wants out, so be it, but only an idiot can believe we can win the chip

just draft someone and build for the future (with or without dame lillard)

id prefer to get maxey, keep sharpe (possibly simons too), draft someone and tank for a year or two

[DaVoiceMaster]

FOOD FOR THOUGHT... Remember just a few weeks ago when we mysteriously just ran out of healthy PGs, and the fix for Chauncey was to start Sharpe at PG. This was created IMO, to turn up the pressure on the kid, throw him into the deep end, and just see what happens if he's given the task. Remember how that resulted?

POINT BEING... Sharpe has handles too, and we're also likely to have them somewhat (maybe alot) at the PF position in Winslow(if healthy), Watford(definitely) and Simmons when Dame gets traded (kidding... sorta).

AND THIS: Anyone wanting to trade our barely legal drinking age, potential 50/40/90, Slam Dunk Champ that was just this year mentioned with Dame and Grant as All-Star candidates - is off their freakin' rocker. Dame can stay or go (His choice), but I'd guess there's about a 1% chance Simons or Sharpe get traded. Not Happening.

I have no idea what you are talking about. The only people mentioning Simon's and Grant as ALL stars was the Blazers own announcers. No one else thought they would be All Stars.

Wow, you really missed the much bigger point I was trying to make: Sharpe showed decent handles when thrown into the fire to play starting PG, with little help. This was a test, for now we know that Sharpe can help Simons because he is also a good ball handler. Meaning, A Simons/Sharpe pairing doesn't lack ball handling or play making in the slightest.

And iirc, Simons was on the ballot to receive votes, to possibly make the All-Star game with Dame and Grant. THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. And I'm 99% CERTAIN we will eventually, and hopefully soon, see Simons full potential once we move on from all things Dame.

Simons/Sharpe/Grant... CAN'T WAIT

I didn't miss your point; I just didn't agree with it. Did Sharpe play PG with Mays and Harrison on the floor? I don't recall him playing PG at all. And he does not have good handles...yet. That will come with time, but he turned the ball over driving through traffic, something he will need to correct because that will be a part of his game.

I do not see a future with Simons. Perhaps I'm burnt on the small SG in a PG body. If they had someone else would could handle the ball and create for Simons, then I might be okay keeping him and Sharpe together in the backcourt. Otherwise, I don't see the two being all that effective together.

[BlazersBroncos]

I think Simons and Sharpe backcourt only works if you get a Scottie Barnes or motivated Ben Simmons type passing forward / upper level defender to both alleviate the bad D of Ant and the total lack of vision on offense.

[The Sebastian Express]

/checks Nets game four score and result without Embiid playing.

Yes, this is a team Dame is going to ask to get traded to right here.

[DusterBuster]

/checks Nets game four score and result without Embiid playing.

Yes, this is a team Dame is going to ask to get traded to right here.

Point taken, but also if he very likely believes that a team with him and Bridges teamed up would be much better than what they showed up as.

I wouldn’t get a hung up on the roster itself and how they preformed this season, it’s about who Dame wants to play with. If that’s Bridges (which all signs seem to indicate is the case), Dame would ask for a trade there if Portland can’t get Bridges. It’s not a far fetch scenario.

[The Sebastian Express]

/checks Nets game four score and result without Embiid playing.

Yes, this is a team Dame is going to ask to get traded to right here.

Point taken, but also if he very likely believes that a team with him and Bridges teamed up would be much better than what they showed up as.

I wouldn’t get a hung up on the roster itself and how they preformed this season, it’s about who Dame wants to play with. If that’s Bridges (which all signs seem to indicate is the case), Dame would ask for a trade there if Portland can’t get Bridges. It’s not a far fetch scenario.

It remains, imo, as far-fetched as the Brooklyn fan who thinks Portland and DAme should reach a buyout so he can sign for the vet minimum with Brooklyn. And seems to have proposed that in all seriousness.

Or the Brooklyn fans who think they can keep Cam Johnson and Claxton in any trade for Dame.

Yes, Dame does want to play with Bridges. And Brooklyn has nothing but a host of questionable future Phoenix picks to give up. Portland isn't obligated to make that trade. No more than Brooklyn is obligated to take an actual above average package (Simons, lottery pick, future picks) for Bridges. Especially since the base of such a trade is Ben Simmons and his contract.

[monopoman]

Dame definitely isn’t being coy about his love of Bridges. To me, this looks like it’s becoming a one way or the other situation. Either get Bridges to Portland or Dame will ask for a trade to Brooklyn.

If it does come down to that, I think Dame will be a Net. Brooklyn will want Dame and know they can hold out. Don’t think Portland will have enough to offer an overwhelming trade to the Nets, also don’t think the Nets want to bottom out.

I can't even imagine what we would have to offer for Bridges I think the Nets view him as the next KD it would likely cost a ton, if the Nets would even consider it.

[BlazersBroncos]

Yes, Dame does want to play with Bridges. And Brooklyn has nothing but a host of questionable future Phoenix picks to give up. Portland isn't obligated to make that trade. No more than Brooklyn is obligated to take an actual above average package (Simons, lottery pick, future picks) for Bridges. Especially since the base of such a trade is Ben Simmons and his contract.

Ya, you accommodate Dame to an extent. BRK doesnt have the assets. Dame can give a list, not narrow it down to a single team that would require us to take back a horrid contract in Simmons.

[DusterBuster]

Dame definitely isn’t being coy about his love of Bridges. To me, this looks like it’s becoming a one way or the other situation. Either get Bridges to Portland or Dame will ask for a trade to Brooklyn.

If it does come down to that, I think Dame will be a Net. Brooklyn will want Dame and know they can hold out. Don’t think Portland will have enough to offer an overwhelming trade to the Nets, also don’t think the Nets want to bottom out.

I can't even imagine what we would have to offer for Bridges I think the Nets view him as the next KD it would likely cost a ton, if the Nets would even consider it.

I agree. Which is why if it comes down to that situation (who knows, just speculation), that’s why I think the Nets would win that tug of war. Just don’t think the Blazers would have enough to offer AND I think the Nets would know the situation, which means they know they could just hold out until Dame tells the Blazers he wants out and the Nets would be on his list.

[Jsun947]

Yes, Dame does want to play with Bridges. And Brooklyn has nothing but a host of questionable future Phoenix picks to give up. Portland isn't obligated to make that trade. No more than Brooklyn is obligated to take an actual above average package (Simons, lottery pick, future picks) for Bridges. Especially since the base of such a trade is Ben Simmons and his contract.

Ya, you accommodate Dame to an extent. BRK doesnt have the assets. Dame can give a list, not narrow it down to a single team that would require us to take back a horrid contract in Simmons.

If we’re going into full rebuild mode I don’t particularly care that much if we have Ben Simmons contract for 2 seasons, depending what we get back. If Dame really wants to go to Brooklyn I’d do Nurkic + Dame for Simmons, Mills, Thomas, and Claxton but I want ALL of those picks (Yes, all 8 & swaps)

In a similar fashion I’d consider trading Grant to the Bulls in a S&T deal for Ball, Williams, and our pick back.

Let the young play & develop while we lose, get two more good picks in 2024 & 2025 and enter free agency with a **** ton of cap space & picks to go with our youth.

[DusterBuster]

Yes, Dame does want to play with Bridges. And Brooklyn has nothing but a host of questionable future Phoenix picks to give up. Portland isn't obligated to make that trade. No more than Brooklyn is obligated to take an actual above average package (Simons, lottery pick, future picks) for Bridges. Especially since the base of such a trade is Ben Simmons and his contract.

Ya, you accommodate Dame to an extent. BRK doesnt have the assets. Dame can give a list, not narrow it down to a single team that would require us to take back a horrid contract in Simmons.

But he can narrow it down to a single team if he wants. Cronin isn’t going to strong arm Dame with the “we’re gonna trade you where we get the best deal” that most fans here hope. They’ll work to accommodate Dame’s request. If that means the Nets, they’ll make the deal and in one way or another, Simmons’ contract will be coming to Portland. I’m not saying this like I like that idea... Just that I believe it’s the a realistic scenario for how the NBA works.

[DusterBuster]

Yes, Dame does want to play with Bridges. And Brooklyn has nothing but a host of questionable future Phoenix picks to give up. Portland isn't obligated to make that trade. No more than Brooklyn is obligated to take an actual above average package (Simons, lottery pick, future picks) for Bridges. Especially since the base of such a trade is Ben Simmons and his contract.

Ya, you accommodate Dame to an extent. BRK doesnt have the assets. Dame can give a list, not narrow it down to a single team that would require us to take back a horrid contract in Simmons.

If we’re going into full rebuild mode I don’t particularly care that much if we have Ben Simmons contract for 2 seasons, depending what we get back. If Dame really wants to go to Brooklyn I’d do Nurkic + Dame for Simmons, Mills, Thomas, and Claxton but I want ALL of those picks (Yes, all 8 & swaps)

In a similar fashion I’d consider trading Grant to the Bulls in a S&T deal for Ball, Williams, and our pick back.

Let the young play & develop while we lose, get two more good picks in 2024 & 2025 and enter free agency with a **** ton of cap space & picks to go with our youth.

Agreed about Simmons’ contract. If they Blazers are fully rebuilding, who cares about Simmons. He likely wouldn’t play a game here and he would just be the new generation of the RLEC (callback).