King James Gospel
Fansided

CJ McCollum should be the Cleveland Cavaliers priority target

By Nathan Beighle

NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 21: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers takes a shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of Game Four of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs at the Smoothie King Center on April 21, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 21: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers takes a shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of Game Four of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs at the Smoothie King Center on April 21, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – APRIL 21: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers takes a shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of Game Four of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs at the Smoothie King Center on April 21, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – APRIL 21: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers takes a shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of Game Four of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs at the Smoothie King Center on April 21, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

With under a week till the 2018 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers are still at the forefront of trade rumors.

While CJ McCollum and the Trail Blazers have been relatively quiet since being swept in the first round after drawing the No. 3 in the West, they certainly should entertain any possible options. And, for the Cleveland Cavaliers, they must make a splash move to retain King James.

Seems like a match made in heaven, right?

Back in early January, about a month before the trade deadline, Damian Lillard sat down with Blazers owner Paul Allen. When NBC asked him about the meeting, he gave one simple answer.

"“Very simple,’’ Lillard told NBC Sports Northwest. “What are our plans to get closer to becoming a contender?’’"

Without a single move made, it might be time for Portland to blow it up. For the future, it might benefit them as well. Although Lillard and McCollum are an all-star backcourt duo, Portland trapped themselves into NBA purgatory by offering far too much many for far too little production.

Restart, wait Golden State out, then be loaded with draft picks, fresh contracts, and young potential. This is the move Portland should make to contend in the future.

Players like Evan Turner, Meyers Leonard, Maurice Harkless are all under contract until after the 2019-2020 season. That said, the best most for Portland to make for long-term contention is to take will these contracts are through. But, before taking, they must acquire valuable assets.

Insert the 2018 Brooklyn Nets first round pick. Or, if they’re lucky, maybe their 2022 first-round pick. Also, insert CJ McCollum, the half of the duo the Cavs are somewhat likely to have the assets to easily trade for.