Blazers’ New Plan For Damian Lillard Revealed Following CJ McCollum Trade

Damian Lillard just lost his #2. The Portland Trail Blazers made a huge trade, giving up CJ McCollum.

It had been rumored for a while that McCollum would be traded for a while now, and they finally dealt the All-Star.

New Orleans gets the significant veteran guard it’s wanted: @CJMcCollum pic.twitter.com/WOylANTleo

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2022

In return the Blazers got Josh Hart, Tomas Satoransky, Nickeil Walker-Alexander, Didi Louzada, 2022 protected first-round pick, and two second-round picks as compensation for giving up McCollum. As Adrian Wojnarowski reports, the Blazers fully intend on keeping Damian Lillard next season, and in fact, they have some massive plans for free agency and the draft.

Full trade, per sources:
Blazers: Josh Hart, Tomas Satoransky, Nickeil Walker-Alexander, Didi Louzada, 2022 protected first-round pick, two second-round picks.
Pelicans: CJ McCollum, Larry Nance, Tony Snell.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2022

Woj laid out the plan:

“Portland’s plan is to fully reshape roster around Damian Lillard now,” Woj wrote. “Portland created a $21M trade exception today, potentially $60M in salary cap space this summer, multiple draft picks and assets via Pels and Clippers trades. Plan is to pursue high-end talent now, not retreat.”

Portland's plan is to fully reshape roster around Damian Lillard now. Portland created a $21M trade exception today, potentially $60M in salary cap space this summer, multiple draft picks and assets via Pels and Clippers trades. Plan is to pursue high-end talent now, not retreat.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2022

Portland’s biggest problem has always been attracting free agents. For whatever reason, no one wants to play in the Pacific Northwest.

However the Blazers seem convinced that they can get it done.

Best of luck.

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