The Blazers and 76ers are in trade rumors as the deadline approaches, but CJ McCollum says it’s not a big deal. He said he has trust with his teammate Damian Lillard.
The “Damian Lillard Sixers” is a trade rumor that has been floating around the NBA for a while. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum have faith in their friendship, despite rumors of a possible trade between them. Read more in detail here: damian lillardsixers.
The bond between Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, colleagues with the Portland Trail Blazers, might be put to the test in the coming weeks. Despite a plethora of trade rumors, McCollum is sticking with Dame.
On Monday, reports of Lillard’s dissatisfaction with the Blazers sparked a firestorm. His rumored desire to play alongside Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers might lead to a McCollum trade. However, the Blazers’ No. 2 guard is attempting to avoid the commotion by relying on his bond with Lillard.
According to reports, Damian Lillard wants to play alongside Ben Simmons, which might lead to CJ McCollum joining the Philadelphia 76ers.
Over the last year, CJ McCollum has been through a whirlwind.
McCollum gave birth to a kid in January. The Blazers subsequently contemplated trading him to the Philadelphia 76ers in order to trade for Ben Simmons, according to Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic. When the Sixers demanded several first-round choices and trades, Portland pulled out.
However, since this summer, things have altered dramatically.
After Monday’s defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers, the Blazers are 11-14 and have lost six of their previous seven games, prompting claims of Damian Lillard’s discontent. Tensions between the players and first-year head coach Chauncey Billups are increasing, according to The Athletic, which also noted Dame’s apparent desire to play alongside Simmons. Over the weekend, the Blazers sacked former general manager Neil Olshey, who was one of McCollum’s most ardent supporters.
All of the rumors resulted in a slew of trade ideas, many of which revolved around McCollum. If the Blazers want to get Simmons, sending the scoring combo guard to the 76ers makes sense since their contracts are similar.
McCollum, on the other hand, isn’t concerned by trade rumors. He stressed his trust in Lillard’s friendship and expressed optimism that their interaction would lead to clarity.
McCollum feels optimistic about his bond with Lillard.
During an interview with Jason Quick of The Athletic, McCollum admits to being somewhat preoccupied. Before voicing worry, he wants to wait for Lillard to express his unhappiness.
Lillard, according to the 30-year-old, has always talked for himself. As a result, he tries to stay away from stories about his All-NBA teammate’s frustration until they come directly from Lillard’s lips.
“I believe [Lillard] would say that if he wanted me to go.” He’s not going to talk about me behind my back since it’s not in his DNA. He isn’t made that way. He’s dependable, and I’m certain that his word is his bond.”
–The Athletic via CJ McCollum
Lillard is already working to reduce the commotion.
“These mfs love drama too damn much,” the All-Star point guard tweeted in reaction to the original story on Monday. Is that all there is to it? Not always, to be sure.
Olshey is no longer the Blazers’ key decision-maker. Joe Cronin, the team’s new general manager, now has to decide whether to make a major push to keep Lillard happy or to trade him and start again.
Despite their friendship, Portland’s backcourt pair may split up at some point.
The Blazers may have to choose between trading McCollum and trading Lillard.
On November 1, 2021, Damian Lillard (L) discusses with CJ McCollum before a game against the Philadelphia 76ers | Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
The Blazers are in perilous situation, and one of CJ McCollum or Damian Lillard might be traded before the February trade deadline or this season’s center.
McCollum is Portland’s biggest asset if they still want to build around Lillard and trade for a star like Ben Simmons. The previous Most Improved Player is one of the finest scoring guards in the game, a player who can make shots from beyond the arc and get to his midrange areas off the dribble.
However, if Portland wants to start over, keeping McCollum and dealing Lillard for a top player and draft money is most likely the best option.
While McCollum’s devotion to Lillard is great, the game of basketball is unconcerned with friendships. As McCollum himself said, the Blazers must make whatever moves they believe are necessary in order to establish a winning team. This will almost certainly necessitate dismantling one of the NBA’s most formidable backcourts.
RELATED: The Philadelphia 76ers were said to be considering a Ben Simmons trade, and now is the perfect time to pull the trigger.
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