Lakers Rumors: Which trade destination is the best for Julius Randle
By Jason Reed
4. Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers are very much like the Toronto Raptors. They have perhaps one of the best backcourts in the entire NBA in Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, yet had nothing to show for it last season. Barely squeaking into the playoffs as an eighth seed, the Blazers had the honors of being the first victims of the Warriors 12-0 run to the NBA Finals.
The Blazers have some promising driving points to take into consideration. First, of course, if the immensely talented backcourt of Lillard and McCollum, both are young and both can score – a deadly combination if maximized (*cough* splash brothers). Second, the team had quite the surprise in Jusuf Nurkic, who averaged 15.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game in Portland.
The thing that Portland is desperately lacking is a true, gritty, power forward. It is no secret that the Blazers are very weak at the four after LaMarcus Aldridge packed his bags to the Spurs before the 2015-16 season. Julius Randle coming into the fray would be perfect for the Blazers, not only does he bring in a talented four he also fits the young narrative the team is creating.
The only assets the Blazers really have at their disposal for the Lakers would be future draft picks. They own all of their draft picks for the next seven drafts, and could afford to give some up for the Lakers. Although they don’t get a player in return, this move would make sense if the Lakers intend on bringing in fellow LA native Blake Griffin.