In general, NBA teams like to keep their star players around for as long as possible. It is almost never a good idea to lose them.
In light of that, it’s already been a successful season for the Dallas Mavericks this season. This team retained Kyrie Irving in free agency. It did not matter what happened next because that was the first thing they had to focus on.
By contrast, it’s been a summer of mixed blessings for the Portland Trail Blazers. This team was thrilled to see Scoot Henderson drop to third in the NBA Draft.
It is possible, however, that they may not be as pleased with Damian Lillard’s request for a trade. In the meantime, the Blazers were able to keep another quality player in the city.
A lucrative contract extension was given to Jerami Grant by this team. If they had known that Lillard was leaving, would they have done so?
If not, could they send him to the Mavericks?