Here’s How The Warriors Could Trade For Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard, Warriors, NBA Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

This NBA offseason is going to be filled with trade rumors. With such a limited number of teams projected to have cap space, trades are the only avenue some of them will be able to go to upgrade their rosters. One of the teams that do have cap space and will be looking to make a big move is the Portland Trail Blazers, and Damian Lillard will be a name to watch once again. Could the Golden State Warriors try to make a move for him?

Portland cleared the decks ahead of the trade deadline, clearing as much cap space as possible. They plan to rebuild the roster around Damian Lillard and hope that they can start competing again as soon as next season.

Having a healthy Lillard will certainly help in that quest and he is reportedly feeling good after undergoing surgery on his abdomen this season. But, there is still a chance he requests a trade as the Trail Blazers are still a ways away from contending.

If he requests a trade, plenty of teams will look to get into the bidding. One team that would make for a wild landing spot is the Warriors. While they aren’t likely to pursue Lillard, especially with the emergence of Jordan Poole, they could make a very compelling offer to the Trail Blazers.

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If Lillard is moved, Portland is entering a full-on rebuild. While the Warriors are contending for a title this season, they have the pieces that a rebuilding team would certainly be enticed by. One possible trade package could be Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, a 2023 First-Round Pick and a 2026 First-Round Pick in exchange for Lillard.

Wiggins is used to help match salary, but just turning 27-years old, he is still young enough to be a part of a rebuild. He made his first All-Star team this season, as he is realizing the potential that made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.

Wiseman was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and has a ton of potential. But, he hasn’t been able to stay healthy yet in his career. But, a rebuilding team such as the Trail Blazers would be more than willing to take a shot on him at this stage in his career.

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Kuminga was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He has shown some flashes this season and would be primed for a breakout as a focal point of a team with more opportunities to play. The first-round picks are always useful, as the Trail Blazers can use them to add more young players to the roster or as sweeteners in trade packages.

It is extremely unlikely that the Warriors would pursue Damian Lillard, but this is the exact kind of package that the Trail Blazers would be looking for in return. Wiggins can help them remain competitive, while they receive two high-upside young players in Wiseman and Kuminga who are still on their rookie deals.

Those are excellent foundational pieces to build the roster upon. The draft picks have a lot of value. By 2026, the Warriors could look drastically different as Klay Thompson and Draymond Green will be 36 and Stephen Curry will be 38.

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