Portland is making moves this offseason, and they’re not done yet. After bringing back Damian Lillard and landing Jrue Holiday, the Trail Blazers have sent a clear message: they want to win now. But what if they could add another All-Star to the mix? A bold three-team trade proposal could put Paul George in a Portland uniform, creating one of the most intriguing duos in the NBA.
Could Paul George Join Damian Lillard in Portland?
Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Caudell and Rohan Raman proposed a three-way blockbuster involving the Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Atlanta Hawks to build a championship contender around Lillard.
The trade would work like this:
Hawks Receive: Duop Reath
Trail Blazers Receive: Paul George, Ricky Council, an unprotected 2027 1st round pick swap (via Philadelphia), and a 2031 2nd round pick (via Atlanta)
76ers Receive: Jerami Grant and Kris Murray
✍🏽 @trailblazers #RipCity pic.twitter.com/CVFYxv2bbv
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) July 19, 2025
Why Would Portland Take This Risk on George?
Despite his recent struggles, the analysts broke down Portland’s motivation for pursuing George.
“This is a risky bet, but if George can put last year behind him and return to his All-Star form, this would be a huge win for Portland,” Raman and Caudell wrote. “Grant is also overpaid, but he does not have the upside that George does. George can create his own offense and be the top offensive option for a young team that could use a player like that. The pick swap in 2027 makes this risk worth it.”
However, this deal comes with significant concerns. George’s first season with Philadelphia was a disaster; his recent knee surgery has only worsened the situation. The Trail Blazers would essentially be betting on a bounce-back season from a player coming off one of the worst campaigns of his career.
For Philadelphia, moving George without giving up significant assets could be attractive. They thought they were getting an All-Star when they signed him to a max contract, but the reality hasn’t matched expectations.
The potential upside remains intriguing. George still possesses the talent that made him a perennial All-Star, and if he can return to that form, pairing him with Lillard could create a dynamic offensive duo. The two players have had some friction, but their skills would complement each other well on paper.
Portland’s offseason moves show they’re not planning to tank, even with Lillard expected to miss significant time. Adding George could give them a legitimate chance to compete when Lillard returns for the 2025-26 season.
Since Grant and Williams joined the team, the Trail Blazers have seen what they have in George. Based on those experiences, convincing themselves that George represents an upgrade wouldn’t be difficult, especially considering his track record when healthy.
Worse than terrible. Portland is not “building around Lillard.” SMH
Worse than terrible. Click bait.
What a terrible idea