In the wake of Damian Lillard requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, one NBA writer has proposed that the Brooklyn Nets acquire the seven-time All-Star.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report is proposing that the Nets trade Ben Simmons, Cam Thomas, Day’Ron Sharpe, a 2027 first-round pick from the Philadelphia 76ers, a 2028 first-round pick from the Phoenix Suns and a 2029 first-round pick from the Dallas Mavericks to the Blazers for Lillard.
“The Nets’ side of the deal, meanwhile, doesn’t require a ton of explanation,” Bailey wrote. “Their wing-heavy rotation featuring Mikal Bridges, Royce O’Neale, Dorian Finney-Smith and Cameron Johnson would be able to cover for Lillard’s defensive flaws in a way Portland couldn’t. And the offensive gravity Lillard generates would give all those wings more open looks from three.
“Putting Lillard in Simmons’ spot (which essentially gave Brooklyn nothing in 2022-23) would instantly put this team in contention for home-court advantage in the Eastern Conference first round.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Lillard is close friends with Mikal Bridges. While the future Hall of Famer wants the Blazers to trade him to the Miami Heat, Lillard did say in June on a podcast that he wouldn’t mind playing for the Nets due to his tight relationship with Bridges.
The Nets got swept by the Sixers in the first round of the 2023 playoffs. If the team added Lillard, they would have a strong core of Lillard, Bridges, Cameron Johnson and Nic Claxton. That foursome could help Brooklyn become contenders in the Eastern Conference.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Lillard doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, so he can’t force his way to the Heat. The Blazers are focused on getting the best package possible for Lillard, so they are expected to speak with many teams about a Dame trade.
It will be fascinating to see where Lillard is playing next season. The All-NBA guard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists last season.
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