In the wake of Damian Lillard requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, one NBA writer is proposing that the Sacramento Kings acquire the seven-time All-Star in a blockbuster trade.
Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World proposed that the Kings trade De’Aaron Fox and Chris Duarte to the Blazers for Lillard.
“The trade of Fox and Duarte for Lillard could be a mutually beneficial move for both the Kings and Blazers,” Bitar wrote. “For the Kings, acquiring Lillard would instantly elevate their backcourt and provide a bonafide superstar to build around. Lillard’s scoring ability, playmaking skills, and clutch performances would give the Kings a reliable go-to option and a leader on the court.
“Pairing Lillard with All-Star Domantas Sabonis would create a dynamic combination for Sacramento’s future. Additionally, Lillard’s veteran presence and playoff experience would be invaluable in guiding the young Kings’ roster.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Sacramento Kings & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The Kings likely won’t trade Fox to the Blazers for Lillard. Fox is younger than Lillard and helped the Kings made the playoffs last season for the first time since 2006.
Lillard has requested a trade from the Blazers and wants to get traded to the Miami Heat. The Blazers are “disinclined” to engage the Heat in serious Lillard trade talks, according to NBA insider Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Since Lillard doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, the Blazers can trade the superstar anywhere. Portland can even keep Lillard and force him to honor his contract.
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 future Hall of Famer 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 NBA insider 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 NBA 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, Sacramento Kings & 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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