(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Portland Trail Blazers have the opportunity to do something that could define the future of their franchise.
Damian Lillard doesn’t want to be a part of the organization anymore.
And even though the team seems reluctant to play ball and take an offer for him, that could actually be in their best interest.
With that in mind, NBA insider Bill Oram explained that letting Lillard go will give them more than just the material return they get, as it will also allow the team to build around Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson (via Dru Star)
“You’re not trading Dame to cash in. You didn’t trade him at his peak to recoup all the pieces you could. You’re trading him b/c you’re changing direction as an organization. One thing you get trading Dame is the runway to empower Scoot & Sharpe. That’s an asset itself” @billoram pic.twitter.com/sxd7tfIzIo
— Dru (@dru_star) August 2, 2023
The Blazers have a potential franchise duo lurking in the shadows and ready to embrace a bigger role, something that’s not going to happen as long as Lillard is there.
It’s not that Lillard wouldn’t want to play with them or that he’s not going to mentor them; it’s just a fact that they won’t have the same touches with him around.
Also, the team will have a sense of urgency to win and make the playoffs with Lillard there.
Without him, they could actually rely on their young players and allow them to grow through their mistakes.
There’s simply no way the Blazers will be able to compete for an NBA championship as currently constructed.
But who knows? Both Sharpe and Henderson have franchise player potential and have the same timeline, so they should be looking forward to getting them as many touches as they can handle instead of holding onto Lillard.
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