Man I’m just ready to know what direction we’re going in and stick with it. I love Dame and I’ve been on the side of wanting to trade our youth to contend now, but also support our moves so far since it really didn’t seem like any difference makers were reasonably available.
If Dame wants out because we waited too long to make a swing for the fences (thanks Olshey), I get it. I personally think that we’ll retool by trading Ant and Dame will start the season as a Blazer, but if we’re not looking good through the first 15-20 games or so, he’ll ask out.
I am hoping that Dame stays. There is just no scenario outside of LeBron/ PG/ Kawhi forcing their way to Portland, that we are even in championship contention in the near term. But in 2 years… I truly believe we will be in contention with our current trajectory.
I think the likely scenario is that he stays. The assets we would require from the other team for Dame’s talent would carve/ hollow out that team. It’s not like Dame is expiring, or becoming a free agent, we have him for 4 more years! He can threaten to pout, but his best chance at a championship is still with Portland.
I don’t think the trade market favors the blazers now, in either direction. there aren’t any difference makers available, and I’m not sure Dame will return a ton right now either.
So I think they’ll give it one last run and hope things change by the trade deadline. Maybe a big name player will ask to be traded, or maybe teams will be more desperate to get dame.
I don’t see Dame winning it the team he’s going to has got to give up core pieces, so if he can’t win, he better stays in Portland and be the good guy
