Boston Celtics: 3 potential sellers at the deadline the Cs should monitor
By Chris Conte
Potential seller Boston Celtics should monitor #2: Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers may have outlasted one of the most anxiety-filled summers in recent memory. Their superstar, Damian Lillard, was involved in multiple reports saying he was unhappy with the franchise and was inches away from requesting a trade, therefore burying the Blazers in a lengthy rebuild.
Luckily, the rumors were either gas or Lillard changed his mind because as of this moment, Lillard is planning to suit up in red and black. However, just because Lillard has decided to stay doesn’t mean Portland is in the clear.
The Trail Blazer’s front office has failed to surround their offensive superstar with quality offensive talent and has miserably failed to support him on the defensive end. Between Lillard, McCollum, Powell, Covington, and Nurkic, the Blazers have one and a half positive defenders, depending on how Nurkic is feeling.
In a Western Conference loaded with perimeter talent, not having any good perimeter defenders in your starting lineup is a shot in the foot and a bullet the Blazers have been biting for years now.
With the West stacking up, it’s likely the Blazers are fighting for a play-in spot. Their front office can do one of two things: sell Portland’s offensive weapons for defensive support or sell on any pieces that have value before Lillard inevitably requests a trade next summer.
Either way, the Boston Celtics win.
Suppose Portland decides to sell on some of their offensive talents like Anfernee Simons or Ben McLemore for nothing more than Dunn or Richardson. If the Blazers decide to embrace their incoming rebuild, the Celts could be in line for Robert Covington or Derrick Jones Jr, who wouldn’t cost them more than one of Boston’s budding young players due to their expiring states.
The Blazers should be on the Boston Celtics radar around the deadline, especially if they are struggling in the standings.