The Portland Trail Blazers are considering to trade small forward Nicolas Batum to try and build their roster around new franchise player and two-time All-Star Damian Lillard, as per Fansided's Josh Hill.

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With the impending departure of former main man LaMarcus Aldridge, the Blazers were said to be searching for the ideal complementary player to partner with Lillard, and Batum is allegedly the perfect trade bait to get it.

Aldridge, Lillard, and Batum were deemed as Portland's own Big Three in the past few seasons, and while the idea of trading Batum seemed far-fetched in recent years, it is a real possibility now that Aldridge may sign with another team in the offseason, according to The Oregonian's Joe Freeman.

Certain rumors with regards to dealing Batum had been surfacing since January, as reported by Dave Deckard of SB Nation's Blazer's Edge. With Batum's numbers and performance in the decline, Portland considered dealing him away during last February's trading deadline but passed at the last minute. However, at this point in time, the Blazers' management is really deliberating on the best deal to give Batum.

Reports recently went out that the San Antonio Spurs would aggressively pursue Aldridge, who would be an unrestricted free agent this summer, to play for them next season. It was also disclosed that the feeling is mutual for the Texas native.

The Spurs are reportedly open in offering him a max contract to be a part of a frontline composed of the legendary Tim Duncan and reigning Defensive Player of the Year awardee Kawhi Leonard.

If Aldridge leaves the Blazers, then Batum is really in a vulnerable position to be traded. 

TagsNBA 2015, NBA rumors, NBA trades, NBA Trade Rumors, Nicolas Batum, Portland Trail Blazers