you say "getting to the line and rebounding" as if they are minor things. Both are pretty important and Ingram is actually a better passer than CJ too. In the last 2 seasons he's averaged 23-6-5 on decent efficiency, and he's only assisted on half of his FG's; so he creates well for himself and his teammates
now, an argument could be made that in one way it would be a somewhat lateral move. CJ for Ingram does makes Portland a better team. But how much better is a good question, considering that Ingram make the same amount a year as CJ and has a year more left on his deal. So the Blazers would still be in the position of investing all-star money for a once-in-7-years all-star
does, for instance, a Dame-Powell-Ingram-Nance-Nurkic lineup push Portland into contention? Or a Dame-Powell-Ingram-Nance-Myles Turner? I do like the looks of that 2nd team even though I do have some reservations about a Dame/Powell back court. Still, I think there would have to be some other significant move(s) involved. But again, I don't think any single transaction will be enough. It will have to be a process
I wonder, could Nas play SG? How does a Dame-Nas-Ingram-Nance-Turner team look with Simons as 6th man?