Golden State Warriors Receive: G Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: C James Wiseman, F Andrew Wiggins, MIN 2021 1st Round Pick (Pick #7), two future first-round picks (both Top-5 protected)
In any big trade proposal involving the Golden State Warriors this offseason, both James Wiseman and Andrew Wiggins seem to be at the center of every single one. Due to Wiseman being a young, high-potential center and Wiggins being owed $31.5M next year, these two seem like the most logical assets for any trading involving the Warriors this offseason. Could they possibly be put together to acquire Damian Lillard though?
After yet another season ending in playoff disappointment, the Portland Trail Blazers decided to make a coaching change and they parted ways with Terry Stotts, who had been with the Blazers the last nine seasons. Stotts was the only head coach Lillard had ever played for in the league and with all the controversy surrounding their coaching search with Jason Kidd, Becky Hammon and ending with Chauncey Billups, there are rumors sparking that Lillard could want out of Portland.
If Damian Lillard does indeed want to be traded from Portland due to the fact that their championship window is very small, he will most definitely want to team up with other All-Star players and go where he has the best chance to win a championship. The Lakers, Heat and 76ers all seem like logical landing spots, but so do the Golden State Warriors.
At first glance, it may not seem like a backcourt of Lillard, Curry and Thompson would work out, but as Hughes described with things working out with the Brooklyn Nets and their “Big 3,” there is no reason why the Warriors could not make this work as well. After all, they did have Kevin Durant for three seasons and this resulted in two championships.
READ MORE: Predictions for NBA Trade Rumors: Beal, Lillard, McCollum, Porzingis & Siakam
The only question about a potential Damian Lillard trade though is what exactly the Portland Trail Blazers would want for him. Trading Lillard means the end of an era in Portland and they would likely look to rebuild at some capacity, so getting young guys like Wiseman, Wiggins and draft picks could make sense, but is Golden State the best place they can get said assets?
Not to mention, are three first-round picks good enough for one of the most talented and most electric players in the entire league? The Blazers may want more value from the Warriors if they are to give up Damian Lillard, especially if he is to remain in the Western Conference.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: 4 dark-horse trade destinations to watch for Damian Lillard
There are a lot of questions to be answered for Portland if they are to make Damian Lillard available in trade talks, which is why we should not jump to conclusions immediately and believe that Lillard is on his way to Golden State. However, this trade does give Portland everything they should want, which is why it is definitely an intriguing thought.
Now, let’s take a look at this trade from each team’s perspective and see if this is a blockbuster trade that makes sense for not just the Golden State Warriors, but the Portland Trail Blazers as well.
