One NBA writer is proposing that the Utah Jazz acquire Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers in a blockbuster trade. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade between the Jazz and Blazers:
Utah Jazz receive: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers receive: Collin Sexton, Keyonte George, Talen Horton-Tucker, Kelly Olynyk, 2025 first-round pick (via CLE) and 2027 first-round pick (top-four protected, via LAL)
The Jazz traded for John Collins from the Atlanta Hawks this summer. If they figured out a way to acquire Lillard, they would have a Big 4 of Lillard, Collins, Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler. Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists for the Blazers last season. He is one of the best players in the NBA. The future Hall of Famer has career averages of 25.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Utah Jazz Updates
Utah acquired a bevy of draft picks last summer when the franchise traded Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, so the front office could offer Portland an intriguing trade package for Lillard. The Blazers are seeking four first-round picks and two quality players in return for Lillard.
“Why not Utah? While the Jazz proved surprisingly competitive last season—thanks in huge part to Lauri Markkanen’s All-Star ascension and Walker Kessler’s All-Rookie first-team effort—they still need another difference-maker to have any shot of escaping the West,” Buckley wrote. “Lillard could make that difference, providing the creation, shot-making and distributing this offense desperately needs.”
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 NBA reporters in Vegas that he’s willing to wait months to trade Lillard.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Utah Jazz Updates
The Miami Heat are the only team Lillard wants to get traded to. However, the Blazers can trade Lillard anywhere since he doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract.
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