Damian Lillard has requested a trade. Ladies and gentlemen, the NBA internet is officially broken. Perhaps we shouldn’t be shocked. Many of us saw this coming from a mile away. Still, now that the moment is here, it’s a little surreal.
It’s also a little messy. Lillard has apparently informed the Blazers that he’s only interested in joining one team. By all accounts, he wants to be traded to the Miami Heat.
The Blazers are under no obligation to send him there. Lillard doesn’t have a no-trade clause. If another team is interested in him, the Blazers would be within their rights to send him there. Should the San Antonio Spurs be interested in him?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G/F Keldon Johnson, G Devonte’ Graham, F/C Zach Collins, 2024 First-Round Pick (CHA via SAS), 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS), 2026 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS), 2027 First-Round Pick (SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Damian Lillard
In fact, the order of the 2023 NBA Draft determined a lot about the fates of both of these franchises. The Spurs landed the number one pick. That’s a blessing in any draft, but this wasn’t just any draft. This was the Victor Wembanyama draft.
Regardless, landing the third pick was no major disappointment for the Blazers. In theory, that meant a decision between Brandon Miller or Amen Thompson. In practice, it meant earning the right to draft Scoot Henderson.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, San Antonio Spurs & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Will the Charlotte Hornets regret passing on him? Time will tell. With that said, the Blazers found their point guard of the future. Now, it’s time for them to move their point guard of the past and present. Is this enough in return for him?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
We think so. Any package that the Blazers receive ought to be future-focused. This one means that criteria. In other words, it features a lot of draft capital. That’s the most important thing here. The Blazers have an intriguing young core. Now, they need the flexibility to build around it.
What they don’t need is another young guard. Portland will already have to make decisions regarding Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons. Bringing another young player into that equation would only complicate matters.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, San Antonio Spurs & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
By contrast, they could use a young wing. Johnson would be a sensible choice. Combined with four first-round picks, that should be enough to entice the Blazers to move on from Lillard. Should the Spurs acquire him?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
This one is a no-brainer for Portland. It’s a little more complicated for the Spurs. Acquiring Lillard would be bold. Some might call it foolish. This is a young, rebuilding team – shouldn’t they be patient?
Perhaps. On the other hand, if Wembanyama is as good as advertised, it won’t be long until he’s ready to win. Generational talents typically produce like stars by their second or third season.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, San Antonio Spurs & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
So, why not push the chips in? If Wembanyama starts to hit his stride as a sophomore, and Lillard retains his current level, who knows? The Spurs could be contending for a title before you know it. Even if they weren’t Lillard’s original preferred destination.
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