With news that Scoot Henderson will be available at 3, it only makes sense for the Blazers to move Lillard. It does not appear possible to trade the 3 pick and other parts to become a contender. There are many permutations on how the Blazers could rebuild. I wanted to throw out one scenario of a rebuild that I think is realistic and set up the Blazers for success. Although I am sure many will have strong feelings about the trades because they involve controversial players. Let me know what you all think.

Move 1: Select Scoot Henderson with the 3 pick.

Move 2: Trade Lillard to Brooklyn for Ben Simmons, Cam Thomas or David Duke, Day'Ron Sharpe and 2023 #21, 2025 Round 1 from Houston, 2027 Round 1 from Philly, and 2029 Round 1 from Brooklyn.

Move 3: Trade Nurkic, Nassir Little, Jabari Parker, and 2023 #23 to Phoenix for Deandre Ayton.

Why I like this scenario is the Blazers retain all their young talent with a core of Simons, Sharpe, and potentially Scoot. Blazers also amass several 1st round picks (and perhaps they could acquire more in an actual Lillard trade). The last part is what is controversial. Truthfully, I am not the biggest fan of Ayton or Simmons. However, Ayton (24yo) and Simmons (26yo) are still young and have had success in the league. Ayton is a consistent double-double and Simmons, if he can return to his previous form, is a great defender and playmaker. Also, Simmons only has two years left on his deal and Ayton has 3 but at a reasonable $30m (I say reasonable bc Nurk will be getting close to $20m per season soon and has 4 years left).

With these moves, the Blazers can roll out a starting five of Scoot, Simons, Sharpe, Simmons, and Ayton. This team will have its issues on defense and shooting. But it enables Portland to likely get another lottery pick in 2024 plus the picks it acquires and have a ton of moveable players in the near future ie Simons or Simmons on an expiring contract.

It will be sad to see the end of the Lillard era, but I view this as a realistic path forward where the Blazers acquire a good amount of draft capital plus young talented players. Let me know what you all think, and I won't be mad if everyone tells me they hate it bc Ayton and Simmons are trash. IMO, I like these moves because the Blazers will be interesting to watch next year with the ability to make more moves to improve the team rather than completely bottom out.