The Portland Trail Blazers are currently in the middle of a rebuild having appointed Joe Cronin as their new permanent General Manager, but the rebuild is expected to be a quick one, meant to maximize the chances for Damian Lillard to potentially lead the team to a championship. The Blazers have the 7th pick in the draft and they have moved on from CJ McCollum and Norman Powell to be able to get different players in around Lillard.
There have been a few names thrown around that they could potentially sign via trade or free agency, Zach LaVine and Deandre Ayton among them. OG Anunoby of the Toronto Raptors has also been mentioned, and undoubtedly more names will come up as they try to get star power around Lillard.
The latest report comes from Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, who has claimed that Bradley Beal is a potential target for the franchise, along with the aforementioned Zach LaVine:
“Bradley Beal and Zach LaVine are potential targets, according to sources. Lillard befriended Beal through their experience with Team USA, and the Wizards star has a player option for next season. So he could make his way to Portland either as a free agent or via trade.
“Though Beal and LaVine present some similar defensive issues as CJ McCollum did next to Lillard, either of them would undeniably make the Blazers better with their shot-creation.”
Beal and LaVine are both excellent scorers, being able to put the ball in the bucket on all three levels, making them excellent fits for any team that is looking for star power and instant offense.
It will likely be a situation where one of the stars ends up joining, if at all, but if the Blazers can somehow get both, it would put them in instant contention in the Western Conference. There will have been some promises made to Lillard and if they can deliver on a superstar to come to play alongside, the Blazers will once again become a team to watch out for.
