One NBA writer believes the Brooklyn Nets should take a big “risk” and trade for Damian Lillard, who has requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers. Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report thinks the Nets would be “serious” contenders with Lillard in Brooklyn next to Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and Nic Claxton.
“The Nets have an interesting team that, on paper, should be a second-tier playoff team in the Eastern Conference,” Pincus wrote. “The most significant need is at guard, where Lillard (one of the best in the league) would shine. … A team built around Lillard and Bridges with Cam Johnson, Nicolas Claxton and whoever Brooklyn can keep out of a deal with Portland would make the Nets a more serious contender in the Eastern Conference.”
Lillard and Bridges are close friends off the court and a source told NBA Analysis Network that Lillard tried to get the Blazers to trade for Bridges before requesting his trade. Lillard wants the Blazers to trade him to the Miami Heat.
However, Portland doesn’t have to honor the trade request since Lillard doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract. If the Nets and Blazers make a Lillard trade, Brooklyn would have a lethal dynamic duo of Lillard and Bridges, two of the best players in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Brooklyn Nets Updates
The Nets got swept by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs. Meanwhile, the Blazers didn’t qualify for the 2023 postseason. Lillard only wants to get traded to the Heat, but some people around the NBA believe the seven-time All-Star would eventually warm up to the idea of playing for the Nets if he got traded to Brooklyn since Bridges is there.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Brooklyn Nets Updates
The Blazers are expected to take their time with Lillard’s trade request. The franchise is looking to acquire a substantial haul for Lillard, who averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists last season while shooting 46.3% from the field, 37.1% from beyond the arc and 91.4% from the free-throw line.
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