With Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, the Portland Trail Blazers have proved to be Western Conference playoff locks the past few years. Barring major injury or misfortune, we can expect more of the same next season.

But with the Warriors down, LeBron aged, and 3-starred superteams going extinct, who is to say Portland can’t compete for a title?

Another addition could be the key to them taking the West, but what that move might look like is anyone’s guess right now. Austin Carroll of Rip City Project did suggest one move that could help put them even further over the top. The proposed deal would involve the Trail Blazers sending Hassan Whiteside, Kent Bazemore, Skal Labissiere, a 2020 first-round pick, a 2022 first-round pick, and a 2024 first-round pick to the Spurs in exchange for LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan.

“This move immediately clears the Spurs’ payroll situation for the future while Dejounte Murray, Lonnie Walker and Derrick White pave the way for the future. Adding extra assets on top of a talented young core is a recipe for success, so it makes the most sense to dump the pair of stars while they still have significant value in the trade market. While this trade is bound to look like a win on San Antonio’s end years down the road, what matters to Portland is capitalizing on Lillard’s prime playing days and pushing the throttle full speed ahead in an effort to win a championship.”

If the Spurs decide to hit the “reset” button, they’ll be looking for picks and/or young players to complete a deal for their star vets. While Portland will not be the only team to pursue the trade, they might be the most willing to pay the steep price.

Regardless, we cannot ignore the possibility of at least one of the two stars in San Antonio to be moved within the year. Where they will end up is still a Pandora’s box at the moment.