Trade offer No. 1: Taking a flier on Ben Simmons
In this first trade offer, the Nets would be sending Ben Simmons, Cam Thomas, and three future first-round picks to the Blazers for Lillard. For this to happen, there would have to be some pretense to understand. And that involves around the fact that Portland would be willing to take a flier on Simmons. He only has two years remaining on his contract and could be viewed as somewhat of a reclamation project. Perhaps that’s something Portland would be open to?
The Blazers would also land Thomas, who has flashed great offensive talent throughout various moments of his young career. Then, to top it off, the Nets would throw in three future first-round picks, two courtesy of the Phoenix Suns (as part of the Kevin Durant deal).
With this deal, the Nets will have created a big three of Lillard, Mikal Bridges, and Nic Claxton. Would that be good enough for the Nets to compete for a top 3 seed? Probably. And, at the same time, the Blazers would get two young players that could pay dividends down the line and a collection of future first-round picks.
There is a reasonable path to believing this is a win-win blockbuster deal for both teams.