This is a crazy, highly implausible hypothetical that neither team would likely ever sign off on. Yet, I'm proposing it nonetheless, because it begs an even bigger question.

FROM NEW JERSEY & TO PORTLAND

Memo Okur

Brook Lopez

2012 First-Round Draft Pick

2014 First-Round Draft Pick

2016 First-Round Draft Pick

2018 First-Round Draft Pick

Future Conditional Draft Pick Via Houston (Lotto-Protected First-Rounder From 2012 Thru 2016 Or 2017 Second-Rounder If Not Conveyed By Then)

FROM PORTLAND & TO NEW JERSEY

LaMarcus Aldridge

(Trade Machine)

Let's say the trade deadline hits and Orlando still won't part with Dwight Howard. Because of that, the New Jersey Nets desperately want to create a buzz and, more importantly, convince Deron Williams to sign an extension with the Brooklyn bound franchise.

At the same time, Portland is hovering around a .500 record come mid-March and is obviously a non-contender; plus, a house cleaning is needed -- especially in the eyes of Paul Allen, who's the only one that matters -- come the off-season.

If so, would you do this deal? I definitely would, since a rebuild is arguably in order. And, well, there'd be no better way to start than by stockpiling picks.

Anyway, trade proposal aside, who here believes that the Trail Blazers as currently constructed can compete for a championship? Who believes Portland even has a core in place that can do so in the future? Who believes that treading water is a satisfactory course of action for the next 5 years? For me, the answers are no, no, no.