In the wake of Damian Lillard requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, one NBA writer is proposing that the Houston Rockets trade for the seven-time All-Star.
Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World proposed that the Rockets trade Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Porter Jr. and Jae’Sean Tate to the Blazers for Lillard.
“For the Rockets, acquiring Lillard would accelerate their rebuilding process and provide them with a bonafide superstar to lead their young core,” Bitar wrote. “Lillard’s scoring prowess, playmaking abilities, and leadership on and off the court would serve as a beacon for the Rockets’ talented prospects. Pairing Lillard with Fred VanVleet and potentially other young talents like Alperen Sengun would create an exciting and promising nucleus for the Rockets’ future.”
Lillard wants the Blazers to trade him to the Miami Heat, but Portland can trade the superstar point guard anywhere since Lillard doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract. The Rockets have not been mentioned in Lillard trade talks with the Blazers, who are seeking four first-round picks and two quality players in return for Lillard.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Houston Rockets & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The Rockets signed Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks this summer in free agency. Pairing Lillard with VanVleet, Brooks and Alperen Şengün sounds very intriguing. However, Houston likely won’t enter the Lillard trade sweepstakes since everyone in the NBA knows Lillard’s heart is set on playing for the Heat.
One of the best players in NBA history, Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists last season for the Blazers while shooting 46.3% from the floor 37.1% from 3 and 91.4% from the free-throw line. He will make $46.6 million next season. The 33-year-old Oakland native signed a two-year, $121.8 million extension with Portland in July 2022.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Houston Rockets & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The Rockets haven’t made the playoffs since 2020. Acquiring Lillard would certainly accelerate their rebuild in the post-James Harden era. However, the odds of Houston trading for Lillard are very, very low.
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