Damian Lillard would like to play with Ben Simmons

Lillard intends to give the Trail Blazers organization time to find its next leader of basketball operations. But beyond the front office component, the face of the franchise still wants significant changes to the roster. Multiple sources have told The Athletic that Lillard would like to play with Philadelphia 76ers three-time All-Star Ben Simmons. The Trail Blazers’ league-worst defense would instantly improve, and sharing a backcourt with a non-shooter could work given Lillard’s high-volume usage.
Source: Shams Charania, Sam Amick, Shams Charania and Sam Amick @ The Athletic

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Lillard wants to play with Simmons, changes to Trail Blazers roster nba.nbcsports.com/2021/12/06/rep… – 11:07 AM

Sam Amick @sam_amick
Neil Olshey is out, but the struggling Trail Blazers still have a Damian Lillard dilemma that will determine their uncertain future. The latest in this superstar situation, with @Shams Charania, at @TheAthletic
https://t.co/k2wNvUl0Kj pic.twitter.com/p9p56Xld6f – 9:32 AM

Sopan Deb @SopanDeb
What?? Lillard literally told the outlet that published this that he wanted Billups as head coach.
https://t.co/p0p8p4wwDh pic.twitter.com/6m9SGHEpxn – 9:31 AM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
C.J. McCollum obviously isn’t Damian Lillard, but 20.6 points on 39.3% 3-point shooting on 8.2 attempts per game isn’t bad either. The guy is a proven scorer in this league. – 9:27 AM

Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
The similarities in Dame/Brad career paths is scary, man. – 9:21 AM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Personal opinion:
C.J. McCollum, a first-round pick and Nassir Little or Anfernee Simons is more than enough in trade for Ben Simmons.
Philadelphia can’t overplay their hand here. That’s a good package and vaults them near the top of the East. – 9:21 AM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
A couple of years ago I was working on an article about NBA Trade Machines (got squashed). I asked people from different sites about the most…