Damian Lillard is open to getting traded to the Brooklyn Nets if his Portland Trail Blazers tenure ends since he has a close relationship with Mikal Bridges. Brooklyn could potentially make some serious noise next NBA season in the Eastern Conference if Lillard were next to Bridges.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report proposed that the Blazers, Spurs, and Nets work on a multi-team trade framework that would send Lillard to the Blazers.
In the deal, Lillard and two 2024 second-round picks (via SAS) would be headed to the Nets. Meanwhile, the Spurs would receive Ben Simmons and Kevin Knox II in the move, enabling them to buy-low on a former multi-time NBA All-Star without having to send out much in return.
In order to move on from Lillard, the Blazers would receive Doug McDermott, Cam Thomas, Day’Ron Sharpe, a 2025 first-round pick (PHX via BKN), a 2027 first-round pick (PHI via BKN), a 2028 first-round pick (BKN), and a 2029 first-round pick (DAL via BKN).
The Nets need more starpower to compete with top Eastern Conference threats like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat. Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists this past season for the Blazers — making him an intriguing option.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets & San Antonio Spurs Updates
The Nets lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in four games. It will certainly be interesting if Brooklyn’s front office makes any aggressive trades this offseason given the franchise is coming off a disappointing Kevin Durant-Kyrie Irving-James Harden tenure.
As for the Spurs, they would be getting Simmons in this hypothetical trade. Maybe Gregg Popovich can help Simmons get back to the All-Star level he performed at when he first entered the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets & San Antonio Spurs Updates
In 317 NBA games, Simmons has made only five 3-pointers. The LSU product signed a massive five-year, $177.2 million maximum rookie contract extension with Philadelphia in 2019. Simmons, 26, will make $37.9 million next season, which is far too much money for a player who can’t shoot.
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