There's plenty to unpack here, starting with a few this-only-happens-if caveats. This only happens if...

The Clippers and Blazers are both bounced in the first round and become convinced major roster moves are needed. Kawhi Leonard stays put in free agency (after presumably declining his player option) and gives his blessing for L.A. to trade his hand-picked running mate. Damian Lillard really has moved past his old rivalry with Paul George and OKs the trade of longtime backcourt mate, CJ McCollum. Those are some massive ifs, but if every box is checked, this could be a fascinating attempt by both franchises to capitalize on their championship windows.

The Clippers collectively improve their shot-creation and playmaking around Leonard with McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic. Even if neither matches up to George individually, together they could offer more offensive relief to Leonard and help get the ball moving. L.A. would miss George on defense, but it could still blanket opposing wings with Leonard, Robert Covington and Marcus Morris Sr., plus it would have Nurkic as insurance on the back line.

L.A. would also add a first-round pick for trading the best player in this deal.

The Blazers would give overdue attention to their fatally flawed 29th-ranked defense. Their yearslong search for two-way wings might be over in an instant with George in town and Norman Powell potentially back in free agency (after a presumed opt-out). Between Zubac and another big (maybe a re-signed Enes Kanter or Zach Collins), Portland may not lose much on the interior, and it would gain a perimeter scorer in Luke Kennard.

This is, admittedly, a ton of moving parts for a pair of top-six seeds, but if each is prematurely ousted from the postseason, it might be open to substantial retooling. Leonard turns 30 in June, and Lillard's 31st birthday follows in July. The time to make all-in moves around them is now.