The podcast, broadcast and web media are saturated with Lillard trade talk. But little rationality prevails. I'm going to propose a process to determine what number of first round picks Lillard should provide the Blazer's in a trade.

What are Lillard's attributes? 1. Durability; 2. Superb shooting skill; 3. Master floor general; 4. Consistent.

Then we should review his draft class--2012. Of the 60 players drafted only 7 (according to Basketball-Reference) played 20,000+ minutes: Lillard, Barnes, Beal, Davis, Drummond, Green, and Middleton. Only Green and Middleton were drafted in the second round.

Therefore, in order to acquire a player who might achieve 20,000+ minutes the Blazer's would need 6 first round picks or 15 second round picks.

Any other offer that doesn't start at an agreement over the number of first round picks needed to trade for Lillard earns an immediate hang up.