As days continue to roll without the axed Neil Olshey in Rip City, Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard is now entirely convinced — he wants necessary changes to be put into consideration without the former long-time general manager.
And now, as things are getting uncertain on Blazers’ direction beyond this season, the superstar has indeed expressed an interest for the management to pursue a disgruntled star — none other than the Philadelphia 76ers’ Ben Simmons.
As reported by Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Oakland-born cager would like to have Simmons in Portland; a six-foot-ten bulldozing point forward, who can pull the team’s abysmal defense onto the next level with its versatility and explosive drive.
Way back in the offseason, the Blazers, under the control of Olshey, had discussed a Simmons-CJ McCollum swap with the 76ers wherein numerous young players were involved, but Philly had delivered their draft pick ideals which caused Portland to shut down a possible transaction.
Sources say the Trail Blazers, under Olshey, discussed the framework of a trade for Simmons, moving CJ McCollum, a first-round draft pick and a young player such as Nassir Little or Anfernee Simons to Philadelphia. The 76ers, sources said, at one point asked the Trail Blazers for McCollum and multiple draft picks and multiple draft swaps, which Portland rejected.
– Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic; Inside the Trail Blazers firing of GM Neil Olshey, and what comes next with franchise cornerstone Damian Lillard
With now Olshey being out of the franchise and Lillard giving his dream scenarios to the management, Blazers are in the urgency mode to move and lock towards the best deals possible. A committed franchise player, like Lillard, who chose to stick through the ups and downs has indeed needed to be followed based on its desires.
For Portland fans, it might be painful to see McCollum be shipped away after past years of exploits with the team, but if someone like Dame has given a word or interest, there should be a no-brainer to embrace the upcoming modification. Nevertheless, it is a win-win scenario for both Sixers and Blazers if ever the blockbuster deal comes to reality.
