San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Alperen Sengun
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G John Wall, 2023 First-Round Pick (HOU), 2023 First-Round Pick (MIL via HOU), 2023 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – SAS), 2027 First-Round Pick (HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: G Damian Lillard
This deal works if the San Antonio Spurs are less concerned about Sengun’s potential defensive shortcomings. His offensive wizardry would be an intriguing fit in Gregg Popovich’s highly-esteemed system.
Meanwhile, this one is all about draft capital for the Blazers. Interestingly, it lands them three selections in the 2023 draft. Given the potential of that class, that shouldn’t be an issue for them.
Particularly in light of the fact that they don’t own their own pick in that class. Suddenly, this deal has the Blazers going from zero picks in a potentially historic draft to three. Granted, the Spurs pick is protected, but only lightly.
While none of these picks are likely to land in the top 5, a combination of them could get the Blazers there in a trade. They probably won’t qualify for the Victor Wembenyama sweepstakes, but players like Derrick Lively, Anthony Black, and Dariq Whitehead still look like potential stars.
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If the Blazers do trade Lillard, the chance to land one of those is the most they could ask in return.
