In the wake of Damian Lillard requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, one NBA writer is proposing that the Indiana Pacers acquire the seven-time All-Star in a blockbuster trade.
Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World proposed that the Pacers trade Myles Turner, Buddy Hield, a 2024 first-round pick, a 2025 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round pick to the Blazers for Lillard.
“For the Pacers, acquiring Lillard would elevate their status in the Eastern Conference and give them a legitimate superstar to build around,” Bitar wrote. “Playing alongside All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, Lillard’s presence would create a formidable trio that could challenge the top teams in the East.”
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 Pacers 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, Indiana Pacers & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
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.
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.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Indiana Pacers & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
While it would be fun to watch Lillard play with Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin and Obi Toppin, the Pacers will likely not trade for Lillard. They are building around Haliburton and acquiring Lillard would decrease Haliburton’s usage rate.
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