Compare the haul: Bradley Beal vs. Damian Lillard

Trail Blazers sent out:

• Damian Lillard
• Jusuf Nurkic
• Nassir Little

Trail Blazers received:

• Deandre Ayton
• Robert Williams
• Malcolm Brogdon
• Toumani Camara
• Three (3) First Round Picks (two from Boston, one from Milwaukee)
• Two (2) First Round Pick swaps (Milwaukee)

What a whirlwind! After months of trade speculation, Damian Lillard was finally moved, but it was not to the destination most had thought. When the summer began, Lillard finally requested a trade but he wanted to do it on his terms. He wanted to be moved to Miami or (it seemed) stay in Portland. After months and months of back and forth, Lillard did not quite get his wish but playing next to Giannis Antetokounmpo has to be a good consolation prize.

In return, the prize for Portland is Deandre Ayton. The double-double machine will provide a great pick-and-roll partner for their new franchise player, Scoot Henderson. Ayton can still fill it up and rebound the ball. He just needs to improve his game on the defensive end.

Having a fresh start in Portland away from all the publicity brought on by playing for a good Phoenix team should give Ayton more confidence and the chance to continue to improve. He is a very talented player who may benefit from a change of scenery.

To go along with Ayton in the front court is 6’9 Robert Williams who, between the two of them, will make up a very solid big-man rotation. Williams is a good post defender, can rim run, and has the athleticism and energy that every team wants. Whether it be playing next to Ayton in the starting lineup or backing him up, Williams can give this Portland team quality minutes and can provide stability for a young upstart team that needs it.

The two 2029 firsts that they received are intriguing for the same reasons the Wizards’ picks and swaps are. Who knows what these Milwaukee and Boston teams will look like in six years? If they end up closing their championship windows sooner, these picks will be very valuable.

Camara was a high second-round pick in this year’s draft. He is athletic, can finish around the rim, and rebound. You always want to take flyers on guys who have specific traits that can be valuable both for the individual and the team.

Brogdon, like Shamet for the Wizards, is the mystery box for the Blazers. He will most likely be best suited as a trade piece as the Blazers continue to use these veteran point guards as the gift that keeps on giving. Brogdon is a true PG who does not have many weaknesses. He doesn’t make mistakes and takes what the opposition gives him. This kind of player can be useful both in the trade market or as a veteran presence on a rebuilding team like Portland.