One NBA insider believes the Philadelphia 76ers will acquire Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers.
Even though Lillard has requested a trade to the Miami Heat, Tim Bontemps of ESPN thinks the Sixers will figure out a way to trade for the seven-time All-Star.
“The Philadelphia 76ers. I think this is a two-horse race that could easily see Lillard winding up in Miami,” Bontemps wrote. “But with Philadelphia having the most attractive trade option on the board — rising star guard Tyrese Maxey — I’ll bet on 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey finding a way to land yet another star.”
Lillard wants to get traded to the Heat. However, the Blazers don’t have to honor Lillard’s trade request since the Weber State product doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract. Portland is going to focus on getting the best return possible for Lillard.
Brian Windhorst of ESPN believes Lillard would already be on the Sixers if Tyrese Maxey was available. The Blazers would love to get Maxey in a Lillard trade, but the Sixers have made the young guard untouchable in trade talks.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Philadelphia 76ers & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Even though the Sixers are interested in trading for Lillard, they will not part ways with Maxey, who is one of the top young players in the NBA. He averaged 20.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists last season while shooting 48.1% from the field, 43.4% from beyond the arc and 84.5% from the free-throw line.
The Sixers are currently dealing with James Harden’s trade request. The former MVP opted into his 2023-24 player option with Philly and is working with the organization on a trade. Harden wants to get traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Philadelphia 76ers & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
It’s going to be fascinating to see where Lillard and Harden are playing next season. Most people around the NBA believe both superstars will get their way and end up on the Heat and Clippers, respectively.
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