One NBA insider doesn’t believe the Philadelphia 76ers have what it takes to acquire Portland Trail Blazers superstar point guard Damian Lillard should the All-Star and the Blazers part ways this offseason.
Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, who is close with Lillard, told Dan Patrick on the “Dan Patrick Show” that the Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets are the teams to watch in the Lillard sweepstakes if the Blazers decide to put their franchise guard on the trade block.
“He wants to win now,” Haynes said. “He wants to compete for a title. I don’t think he believes that taking that pick and keeping it is going to do them any service in the now. … Nets, Miami, and possibly — I don’t think, I don’t know Philly — but they don’t have what it takes, so I’ll leave it at the Nets and Miami.”
The Blazers have the third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Lillard wants the organization to trade the pick in a package for a win-now player. If that doesn’t happen, Dame could be on the move this offseason.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
The Sixers aren’t going to trade Joel Embiid to the Blazers for Lillard. James Harden becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason once he declines his 2023-24 player option. The Beard would have to want to sign with the Blazers for Portland and Philly to do a Harden-Lillard sign-and-trade deal and there are no rumors connecting Harden to the Blazers.
With that said, it’s doubtful the Sixers will get Lillard this offseason. They are better off focusing their attention on keeping Harden, who could head back to the Houston Rockets or join Kevin Durant on the Phoenix Suns.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
The former MVP wants a max contract this offseason, so it will be fascinating to see if the Sixers are ready to offer him one.
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