We can’t always get what we want. That’s one of life’s most valuable lessons. It even holds true for NBA players. Sometimes, a star requests a trade and provides his team with a list of teams he’d be willing to play for. The team doesn’t necessarily have to trade him to one of those teams.
Realistically, the length of the list will decide the probability of that star getting what they desire. For example, if there’s only one team on the list, it may be difficult to work out a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Yes, we’re talking about Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers. Apparently, he only wants to join the Miami Heat. With that said, the Blazers could end up sending him elsewhere. How about the Minnesota Timberwolves?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F/C Karl-Anthony Towns, F Kyle Anderson
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G Damian Lillard
In fact, the entire Lillard situation has gotten rather complicated. Lillard wants to go to the Heat. Unfortunately, the Heat don’t have the best package available. This puts the Trail Blazers in a bind.
Why, you ask? Couldn’t the Blazers just send Lillard wherever they want? If only life were that easy. In reality, no team wants to trade for a player who doesn’t want to join them.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Any team besides Miami would be acquiring a player who is automatically unhappy. That’s always a tremendous risk. Should the Timberwolves take it?
Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
Honestly, we truly do not know. In all likelihood, there’d have to be some communication in back channels to complete this deal. The Timberwolves can’t afford to trade Towns for Lillard if Lillard won’t report to training camp.
Let’s disregard all of that. For argument’s sake, assume that Lillard is willing to play for the Wolves. Is this a good move for them? Absolutely. Lillard makes perfect sense for this team on paper. He’d join Anthony Edwards to form one of the most dynamic one-two offensive punches in basketball.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Meanwhile, a frontcourt tandem of Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels should give the Wolves one of the best defenses in the NBA. Should the Blazers put them in that position?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
Some will argue against this for Portland. If they’re rebuilding, shouldn’t they start from scratch? No. The Blazers don’t need to start from scratch. With Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons on the roster, they’ve already got one of the best young cores in the NBA.
That means the Blazers can skip steps. They don’t need to rebuild in the traditional sense – they’ve already done it. Portland can strive to stay competitive if they choose to.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Here, theyre adding one of the best offensive big men in the NBA. If they’re willing to overlook Towns’ defensive limitations, he’s the perfect big man to add to their collection of talented young guards. Even if he’s not exactly what they wanted.
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