Portland Trail Blazers: The Trade Possibilities for Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum If They Fall Short in the Playoffs

The Portland Trail Blazers' playoff success is always a major topic of discussion, especially as the season draws to a close. With the second round of the playoffs looming, one cannot help but ponder the possible future of the team’s star players, particularly Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. Would a failed playoff run prompt either of them to push for a trade? Let's delve into the circumstances and perspectives surrounding this question.

Embedding Loyalism: Is Lillard Likely to Request a Trade?

Firstly, let’s consider the situation and character of Damian Lillard. Known for his unparalleled loyalty to the Portland Trail Blazers, Lillard has already made ample public declarations asserting his commitment to the franchise. It would be highly abnormal for him to request a trade simply because the team fails to advance past the second round of the playoffs. His career has been defined by the love and support he has shown for the city of Portland and the team. It is extremely unlikely that a short-term misfortune would prompt such a drastic action, especially since Lillard has already demonstrated his willingness to stay put through his public statements and actions.

In addition, Lillard’s contract is set to keep him with the Trail Blazers for the foreseeable future, which offers stability and a renewed commitment to the team. His career has shown that he is the type of player who builds around the franchise, not the other way around. As the team and the city have seen with his leadership and dedication, Lillard has consistently sought to elevate the team, regardless of immediate results in the playoffs. His natural leadership and loyalty to the city make a trade request highly improbable in the wake of a disappointing playoff run.

McCollum's Trade Possibilities: An Underlying Uncertainty

Now, let’s shift our focus to CJ McCollum, the other significant player whose future may hinge on the team’s playoff performance. While McCollum is also an important player, his situation is more nuanced than Lillard’s. Over the years, there have been scattered trade rumors and speculation surrounding him, suggesting that McCollum may be a valuable trade asset for other teams. It's worth noting that the trade talk surrounding him hasn't been generated by the Trail Blazers but by other writers and analysts considering what other teams may do.

At 27 years old, McCollum is still in his prime and has several more productive years ahead. His contract isn’t set to expire until after the 2025-2026 season, meaning he has at least two more years with the Trail Blazers. Given his age and the remaining years of his contract, McCollum might be inclined to stay and continue his journey with the Trail Blazers, especially if the team shows promising signs of improvement. However, his willingness to leave would become more apparent if the team struggles to make significant progress.

Post-Contract Scenario: What Happens When McCollum Can Leave?

When and if CJ McCollum’s contract expires in the 2025-2026 season, his decision making becomes even more critical. At that point, McCollum will have the freedom to pursue a trade or re-sign with the Trail Blazers. If the team proves unable to make the necessary progress, McCollum may look for new opportunities to secure a more secure future and potentially better career prospects. This scenario leaves the Trail Blazers in a precarious position as they would need to either build around McCollum and hope for a championship window, or prepare for him to leave in the event of a long-term failure.

In conclusion, while Damian Lillard is unlikely to request a trade based on a single season's performance, the situation with CJ McCollum remains a bit more uncertain. His loyalty to the franchise is evident, but his potential exit necessitates a careful and diligent rebuilding effort by the Trail Blazers. Only time will tell how this scenario unfolds, but one thing is certain: the future of the Portland Trail Blazers hinges on both players' continued performances and the team's ability to build a winning culture for the years to come.