Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Andrew Wiggins, C James Wiseman, G Jordan Poole, 2023 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: G Damian Lillard
It’s nearly impossible for the Golden State Warriors to acquire Damian Lillard without parting with Andrew Wiggins. The only other contracts on their books that could be useful for matching Lillard’s are Steph Curry’s, Klay Thompson’s, and Draymond Green’s.
They won’t be trading Curry for obvious reasons. Meanwhile, a rebuilding Portland Trail Blazers team would have no interest in either of the latter two players.
Furthermore, the Warriors will want to hold onto each as a win-now outfit. Wiggins also provides value to that end, but the Warriors are likely to prioritize the chemistry their big three have developed over the years. Adding Lillard to that equation may make this team instant title favorites.
Anybody worrying about Lillard’s fit with the Splash Brothers need not fret. Elite floor-spacers can always find a way to work together. Klay Thompson can comfortably slide to small forward while the Warriors run a dual point guard backcourt.
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Defensively, they’ll be challenged at the point of attack. This group is likely to score enough points to entirely erase that disadvantage.
Meanwhile, the Blazers acquire a solid rebuilding package here. Jordan Poole is already a proven NBA talent. He emerged as a Most Improved Player candidate in 2021-22, but at 22, he still has ample room to grow.
So much room that the Golden State Warriors may be apprehensive to part with him. If that’s the case, the Portland Trail Blazers may still be willing to make a deal, but, it will cost the Warriors.
