Damian Lillard and Trail Blazers display interest in Ayton, Anunoby, and Collins
Damian Lillard is a six-time all-star that has spent his whole career playing for the Portland Trail Blazers. The Trail Blazers missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2012-2013 season. This was in part due to Lillard only playing 29 games as he was shut down for the season with an abdominal injury.
An issue with Portland is that they have not surrounded Lillard with enough help. The last time Lillard played with a fellow all-star was LaMarcus Aldridge in 2014-2015. Also, they just traded CJ McCollum who was their second-best player on the team over the last seven years. Lillard is currently stranded in Portland right now on a non-contender.
If the Trail Blazers want to keep Lillard they will have to add a big player in free agency or through a trade. Lillard has shown interest in playing with a few different players for next season. Also, the Trail Blazers have been actively looking around for players that can help support Lillard. According to Bleacher Reports’ Jake Fischer, who was on the Dunk’d on Podcast with Nate Duncan, these players consist of Deandre Ayton, OG Anunoby, and John Collins.
Possible offseason targets
Deandre Ayton is a skilled big man that was the number one overall pick in the 2018 draft. He has played all four of his seasons for the Phoenix Suns but they might not offer him another contract. Furthermore, Ayton has a career average of 16.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and a field goal percentage of 59.9. He is a young center with NBA Finals experience that can definitely improve the Trail Blazers.
OG Anunoby is a talented wing that has spent five seasons playing for the Toronto Raptors. This young small forward has improved his game every year in the league. In 2021-2022, Anunoby averaged 17.1 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game. Also, he shot 36.3% from the three-point line. Anunoby wants a bigger role and more opportunities to show off all he has to offer as he has become a bit underrated. He would have a bigger role in Portland where he can be the second scoring option.
John Collins is another option for the Trail Blazers. Collins’ name was shopped all trade deadline. Clearly, Collins and the Atlanta Hawks are more than willing to part ways. In five years with the Hawks, he has averaged 16.5 points per game and 8.3 rebounds per game. He is an athletic 6’9” power forward that can definitely benefit the Trail Blazers.
What does Portland have?
Besides Lillard Portland only has one other possible all-star on their roster in Anfernee Simons. Simons is a young shooting guard for the Trail Blazers. He averaged 17.3 points per game and 3.9 assists per game but he would still need to take a big leap next year to reach an all-star level.
Lillard can leave for a contender and instantly make that team a possible title favorite. However, he has expressed he wants to stay in Portland. Will the Trail Blazers be able to get Damian Lillard some help in free agency or through a trade? For the sake of their franchise as well as Lillard’s time in Portland let’s hope the Trail Blazers can get a huge deal done.
