Portland Trail Blazers: 4 difference-makers to target as fits next to Damian Lillard

Portland Trail Blazers Damian Lillard (Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports)
Portland Trail Blazers Damian Lillard (Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports)
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Washington Wizards
Washington Wizards Bradley Beal (Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)against the Boston Celtics at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Bradley Beal, trade target

If the Portland Trail Blazers go through the offseason without at least making a call to the Washington Wizards regarding Bradley Beal, it would be viewed as a massive misstep. This could finally be the year where the Wizards end up trading Beal and if that is indeed so, the Blazers should be interested in coupling him with Damian Lillard.

Even though Beal has struggled over the past two seasons, mostly due to injury, he is still a player that is in the midst of his prime. He’s still just 29 years old and is coming off two “down” seasons in which he’s still been incredibly productive. This season, Beal is averaging 23 points, five assists, and four rebounds on 51 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent shooting from 3-point range. Not bad for a down year, huh?

A backcourt duo of Lillard and Beal would be extremely fun to watch and would add a lead element that Lillard has not had since McCollum was on the roster. Even then, I think it’s safe to say that Beal would be an upgrade over McCollum.

If Beal somehow becomes available during the offseason, the Blazers should be one of the interested teams.