According to TrueHoop (Henry Abbott), Damian Lillard is expected to request a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers in the coming days. There has been speculation since the Blazers were knocked out by the Nuggets in this years playoffs. There have been many teams lining up to get a chance to trade for Damian Lillard.
People have been calling out for Lillard's departure for years but he has always been loyal to the team that drafted him in the Trail Blazers. It seems as though Lillard may have had enough and finally wants out and a chance to compete for a championship. The major thing about this trade, is that it is going to take a major haul to bring Lillard to a new city. Who has enough to make it happen?
Let's break it down into three tiers. Strong Suitors, In play and On the outside looking in.
Strong Suitors
Warriors
76ers
Knicks
In play
Lakers
Heat
Pelicans
Celtics
On the outside looking in.
Mavericks
Clippers
It is unsure of how much the Blazers would plan to rebuild if Lillard was moved and that could decide where Lillard ends up. If the Blazers want a complete rebuild, their best best is trading to the Warriors. The Warriors have two lottery picks this draft and most of their draft picks going forward. The Warriors may need to find a third team to take Wiggins contract. If they want to compete in these next couple years and an all star in return, they trade him to the 76ers or Celtics. 76ers would be able to send Ben Simmons in return while the Celtics may decide to trade Jaylen Brown if it means bringing in Lillard.
Possible Trade with 76ers
Blazers Send:
Damian Lillard
76ers Send:
Ben Simmons
Tyrese Maxey
George Hill
2 First Round Picks
Possible Trade with Warriors
Blazers Send:
Damian Lillard
Warriors Send:
James Wiseman
Eric Paschall
Jordan Poole
7th Overall Pick
14th Overall Pick
2024 First Round Pick
2022 Second Round Pick
Thunder:
Andrew Wiggins
2026 First Round Pick (Top 3 Protected - Warriors)
Lillard is expected to speak to the media today (Friday 7/16) about these reports.