Damian Lillard has become the latest NBA superstar to request to be traded. Unlike some situations, the Portland Trail Blazers are expected to accommodate his request. With the Blazers using the 3rd overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft to select Scoot Henderson while failing to adding a difference-making veteran, a need to seek a change was prompted.
While Lillard’s preferred trade destination is the Miami 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. However, an additional team has emerged onto the radar: the San Antonio Spurs.
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, while the Heat remain Lillard’s ideal landing spot, it was made known that he holds a “deep respect” for the Spurs organization. He also holds a “fascination” with the idea of playing with Victor Wembanyama and for legendary coach Gregg Popovich.
“Dame has a lot of respect for that organization,” Shelburne said. “There’s a fascination with Wembanyama. There’s a fascination with the idea of Gregg Popovich. There’s a lot of interest from Dame’s side in the San Antonio Spurs”
After landing Wembanyama in this year’s NBA Draft, the Spurs achieved their goal of adding a young franchise cornerstone. Now, the team could look to capitalize on adding a perimeter superstar to pair with him for at least the early stage of the phenom’s career. It just remains to be seen if Lillard ends up being that player.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs & Miami Heat Updates
Lillard has a desire to compete for a championship immediately, which clearly complicates the Spurs’ outlook in getting a trade down despite having by far the most appealing trade assets out of any of the teams presently linked to the superstar guard.
San Antonio has favored entering asset collection mode beginning with the Dejounte Murray trade to the Atlanta Hawks last summer. The Spurs have plenty of future draft assets to use at their disposal along with some intriguing young talent, including Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson, with Jeremy Sochan and Wembanyama being franchise pillars.
Lillard remains one of the NBA’s truly dynamic perimeter talents. While his season came to an early end of the second consecutive campaign due to the Blazers’ poor contention outlook, he averaged 32.2 points, 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 58 games.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs & Miami Heat 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.
