In the wake of Damian Lillard requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, one NBA writer is proposing that the Detroit Pistons acquire the seven-time All-Star.
Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World proposed that the Pistons trade Killian Hayes, Bojan Bogdanović, Joe Harris, a 2024 first-round pick and a 2025 first-round pick to the Blazers for Lillard.
“The trade of Hayes, Bogdanovic, Harris, and two future first-round picks for Lillard could be a compelling move for both the Pistons and the Blazers,” Bitar wrote. “For the Pistons, acquiring Lillard would instantly elevate their rebuilding process and provide a true superstar to lead their young core. Playing alongside promising players like Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart, Lillard’s experience and veteran presence would accelerate the development of the Pistons’ young talents and establish a strong foundation for future success.”
While this trade package Bitar came up with isn’t bad, the Pistons trading for Lillard won’t happen. The Oakland native wants to compete for a championship and Detroit wouldn’t even be the best team in the East even if it paired Lillard with Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson.
Lillard has requested a trade from the Blazers and wants to get traded to the Miami Heat. However, Portland can trade Lillard anywhere since the future Hall of Famer doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract.
The Blazers are “disinclined” to engage the Heat in serious Lillard trade talks, according to NBA insider Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists last season for the Blazers. He will make $46.6 million next season. The superstar signed a two-year, $121.8 million extension with Portland in July 2022.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Detroit Pistons & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The Blazers used Summer League in Las Vegas to get a fuller sense of the trade market for Lillard, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. Portland general manager Joe Cronin told reporters in Vegas that he’s willing to wait months to trade Lillard.
The NBA has sent a memo to all 30 teams in the wake of Lillard requesting a trade to the Heat. Lillard and his agent, Aaron Goodwin, can no longer talk about wanting to play for Miami. The Blazers have not been impressed with the Heat’s offers for Lillard, who has career averages of 25.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists. Portland is seeking four first-round picks and two quality players in return for Lillard.
Lillard expressed his frustration with the Blazers in recent years for failing to construct a roster capable of competing for a championship. The Weber State product felt the time was now to request a trade after coming off a career season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Detroit Pistons & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Lillard was upset the Blazers didn’t trade the third overall pick in the 2023 draft for a star player. Portland drafted Scoot Henderson, who plays the same position as Lillard, with the third pick.
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