Damian Lillard to Philadelphia 76ers?
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Damian Lillard, F Nassir Little, POR 2022 2nd Round Pick
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G/F Ben Simmons, G Tyrese Maxey, G Shake Milton, PHI 2022 1st Round Pick (Unprotected), PHI 2023 1st Round Pick (Swap, More Favorable to POR), PHI 2024 1st Round Pick (Unprotected)
Obviously, the Philadelphia 76ers would like to add Damian Lillard, but the MVP-caliber point guard has yet to make a big decision about his future. For the time being, it seems like he is going to remain in Portland, and he has said that he is a member of the Trail Blazers organization right now, but his mind could wind up changing at any point.
Dame wants to win, and the rumors about his possible departure have been going on ever since the Trail Blazers lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Denver Nuggets. This team does not have what it takes right now to contend in the Western Conference, even if Lillard is scoring 50+ points in the playoffs!
Plus, with the added drama of the coaching search/hiring, the situation in Portland right now is not ideal in terms of trying to convince Damian Lillard to stay long-term.
This does not mean that Portland will not trade him anyways if they feel that he is going to wind up leaving in the future anyway. Ben Simmons is not close to Lillard’s player, but he is only 25-years-old and already a 3x All-Star, so he is definitely someone Portland could build around for the foreseeable future.
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Not only would they end up with Simmons, but the Trail Blazers would also be getting two young guards in Tyrese Maxey, and Shake Milton. Plus, they would end up getting two unprotected first-round picks and a chance to swap picks with the 76ers.
As for Philadelphia, they would get what they want in Damian Lillard, plus they would wind up getting Nassir Little in this deal since Portland would not have much room or need for Little anymore with the addition of Ben Simmons.
This is probably the best deal the 76ers would get for Simmons in regards to him going to Portland, and quite honestly, they should be willing to do any deal they can to acquire Damian Lillard.
READ MORE: Predictions For Latest NBA Rumors: Simmons, Dragic, Jordan, Maxey
While he is 31-years-old now, Lillard is in the prime of his career and has shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, he is getting better as he gets older, and next to Joel Embiid, this team could actually increase their championship window.
Now, getting Dame does not put Philadelphia ahead of Milwaukee or Brooklyn in the Eastern Conference to win a championship. Still, there is no reason why Dame and Embiid cannot compete with any team in this league. Those are two MVP-caliber guys on the same team together, which would make the Sixers a top-tier team in the league.
