It has been barely 24 hours broke out that Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers aired his preference to play alongside Ben Simmons. Hence, the name of CJ McCollum has popped up plus other assets Portland could put together.
Unfortunately, the main guy in the potential Sixers and Blazers trade has been shot down. Philly is reportedly not interested in McCollum, meaning any potential Ben Simmons trade is now back to zero. So unless there is any other star on the roster of Portland that would be of interest to the 76ers, this trade is most likely shelved.
According to Kyle Nuebeck of the Philly Voice, there have been no discussions held between the Sixers and the Blazers regarding a McCollum trade. But the meat here is that Philly is not interested in the 30-year-old guard at all.
Although it was not stated, seeing the Sixers pass on McCollum is understandable. Although he would add scoring sock for Doc Rivers, the 2016 NBA Most Improved Player is seen as a defensive liability.
But with his name linked to a potential trade, does this hint at a falling out of sorts between McCollum and Damian Lillard? It does not appear to be the case.
McCollum claims he continues to have a good friendship with Lillard. If the Blazers star guard wanted him to leave, the 6-foot-3 guard says Dame would tell him upfront.
“If he wanted me to leave, I think he would say that,” McCollum said. “He’s not speaking on me behind closed doors because that’s not in his DNA. He’s not built like that. He’s solid, and I know his word is his bond.”
Also, Lillard responded to reports of him wanting to play with Simmons that spurred a potential trade scenario. The All-Star guard scoffed at the suggestion and said that everyone just loved drama too much.
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