Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Derrick White, Al Horford, Grant Williams, 2023 First-Round Pick (BOS), 2025 First-Round Pick (BOS), 2027 First-Round Pick (BOS)
Boston Celtics Receive: Damian Lillard
Consider this the prerequisite “draft picks trade”.
It’s hard to envision the Portland Trail Blazers shipping Damian Lillard without receiving significant draft capital in return. Actually, it’s hard to envision them trading Lillard at all.
It feels like Dame Time won’t be running out anytime soon in Portland. Lillard has signaled every desire to remain with the only franchise he’s ever known. The Blazers appear primed to retool around their star guard this summer. Still, there’s a compelling case to move Lillard.
Firstly, he’s 31. His game showed signs of decline in 2021-22. Granted, he was battling injuries, but at his age, it’s entirely possible that those battles will continue.
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In that event, this would be a solid return for the Blazers. They’re getting a long-term rotation player in Williams. He’s a versatile defensive forward who spaces the floor. They’re also getting solid draft capital. Still, if either side declines this deal, it’s Portland.
The Boston Celtics and Portland Trail Blazers teams may need to bring a third party to the table to get a deal done here.
