The Los Angeles Clippers are interested in trading for Damian Lillard, who has requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
However, since the Clippers have made the playoffs 10 times over the last 12 years, they don’t have high draft picks to offer the Blazers, who are looking for a grand return for Lillard.
The Miami Heat, Lillard’s preferred destination, have the same issue as the Clippers.
“In the wake of past trade requests, like those from Durant last season or Anthony Davis in 2019, there are differences borne out of Lillard’s determination to get a trade to Miami,” Woj wrote. “The Los Angeles Lakers and Suns gathered up high draft picks in repeated trips to the lottery and developed those assets into future All-Star players.
“Miami has missed the playoffs three times in the past 15 seasons, which has made it harder to harvest the requisite package for the kind of blockbuster the Blazers want to negotiate. That’s also the issue for the LA Clippers, who have interest in a Lillard trade, sources said.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Los Angeles Clippers & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Lillard doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, so he can’t force his way to a new team. Neither the Clippers nor the Heat have the type of package the Blazers are looking for, which is why most NBA insiders believe Lillard will be traded in a three-team deal.
The Clippers have been linked to Lillard and James Harden, who has requested a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers and wants to play for LAC with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. It’s going to be fascinating to see if the Clippers are able to land Lillard or Harden this summer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Los Angeles Clippers & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
For teams calling about trading for Lillard, the message from the Blazers has been clear: Bring your best offer and make your team our preferred trade destination. Portland GM Joe Cronin doesn’t plan to operate a transfer portal to Miami and easily deliver Lillard to his targeted team.
