Damian Lillard has informed the Portland Trail Blazers that he wants to be traded this offseason. The seven-time NBA All-Star immediately has emerged as the hottest name in the NBA trade market after averaging 32.2 points, 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 58 games this season.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, while Lillard’s preferred trade destination is the Heat, other teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers, are expected to “explore” a potential deal to acquire the superstar guard from Portland.
The Sixers have been a team to watch as a possible trade destination for Lilllard in recent years. With James Harden having opted into his $35.6 million final year option with the intention of being traded amid “extreme” frustrations with the organization, Philadelphia is currently in flux.
Regardless of how a trade transpired, the Sixers must find a viable co-star to pair with reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid. The team is not expected to reach an agreement on a contract extension with Tyrese Maxey this summer — the team’s most viable young trade assets — maintaining his trade eligibility.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
In recent days, Harden has been most linked to the Los Angeles Clippers, but with Lillard now entering the trade marketplace, it remains to be seen how that will play out. The far more realistic trade outcome for the Clippers to pair another star with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George remains Harden.
It’s difficult to envision the Trail Blazers not accommodating Lillard’s desire to be traded to the Heat, given all of the loyalty he has shown the franchise. With the team landing Scoot Henderson in the 2023 NBA Draft, they have a young backcourt talent to build around. Allowing Lillard to end up where he desires to compete for an NBA title would be a strong sign of good faith.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
The trade return for Lillard may not be the most appealing for the Blazers considering his expressed desire to be moved. The 32-year-old is entering the third year of a four-year, $176.3 million contract and already has a two-year, $121.8 million contract extension set to begin in the 2025-26 season. Any trade suitor will have to take that into account.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
