Portland Trail Blazers superstar point guard Damian Lillard does not want to get traded to the Boston Celtics if the Blazers decide to move him, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.
Haynes revealed that tidbit during an appearance on the “Dan Patrick Show.” The Bleacher Report insider has a close relationship with Lillard.
A Big 3 of Lillard, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum would be lethal, although it’s possible the Celtics would have to trade Brown or Tatum to get Lillard. Boston lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals in seven games and could be in the market for a roster upgrade this summer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Boston Celtics Updates
During a recent appearance on “The Last Stand with Brian Custer,” Lillard discussed hypothetical trade scenarios and named the Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets as his preferred destinations because of his close relationship with Heat center Bam Adebayo and Nets forward Mikal Bridges.
“Miami obviously. Miami is the obvious one. Bam is my dog. Bam is my dog for real. But I mean I think Miami is the obvious one,” Lillard said. “Brooklyn is another obvious one because Mikal Bridges is my dog too. I mean, both have capable rosters.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Boston Celtics Updates
One NBA scout recently told NBA Analysis Network that Lillard “would like to play with” Mikal Bridges, who is currently a member of the Nets.
“There are many directions the Blazers can go this summer,” the scout said. “A lot will depend on what Dame wants to do. That’s hard to tell right now since it’s so early. If you bank on every little rumbling, you’ll have a lot of conflicting info by the time the Combine even starts. One player I know he really would like to play with is Mikal Bridges. That doesn’t mean he has to do it in Brooklyn, though. That’s a trade target I’d keep an eye on if Portland tries to add a piece around Dame.”
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