Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers wants to join the Miami Heat. Everyone around the NBA knows it. At this point in the summer, Lillard’s eventual move to South Beach is an inevitability – isn’t it?
We’re not sure. It’s been rumored that Lillard and his agent have made it clear to other teams: he wants to be on the Heat. He may not report to training camp. It’s reasonable for Lillard to have a preference, but Miami doesn’t make for the most logical trade partner for the Blazers. Could Lillard expand his list of preferred teams?
Time will tell. With that said, there are other teams around the NBA who could use Lillard. If he wants to compete for an NBA title, there are options outside of Miami. For example, the Boston Celtics could be a powerhouse if they added Lillard. Here’s a deal that makes that happen.
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon, F/C Robert Williams III, F/C Al Horford, 2024 First-Round Pick (GSW via BOS), 2025 First-Round Pick (BOS), 2027 First-Round Pick (BOS), 2029 First-Round Pick (BOS)
Boston Celtics Receive: G Damian Lillard
We don’t mean to cast Lillard in a negative light. This situation is complicated. It feels fair to say that the Blazers have failed to put a serious contender around Lillard. In fact, that’s something they’ve struggled to do throughout his entire career.
When Lillard joined the Blazers, LaMarcus Aldridge was the best player on the team. Those may have been the best teams Lillard played on. The Blazers had a deep supporting cast with quality players like Nic Batum, Wesley Matthews, and Robin Lopez. Perhaps Lillard was too young to take advantage.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Boston Celtics Updates
By the time he reached his prime, the Blazers had him paired with CJ McCollum. That may have been their fatal error. The duo were one of the most talented backcourts in the NBA, but they’re both small guards. The Blazers became too easy to target in the playoffs. When it didn’t work, the wheels fell off. Is this the right way for the Blazers to finally conclude the Lillard era?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
Saying goodbye to Lillard won’t be easy. He’s got a strong case as the best player in Blazers’ history. Even if you’re a huge Bill Walton or Clyde Drexler fan, the point stands: Lillard is an all-time Portland Trail Blazer.
Still, the partnership has reached its logical conclusion. Everyone knows that the Blazers should trade Lillard, and everyone knows why. The only question is: where will they trade him? The answer may still be Miami, but still, the Blazers should take the best offer that they can find.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Boston Celtics Updates
This is an especially strong offer. If Robert Williams III can get healthy, it’ll be the best deal that Portland could hope for. Even if he can’t, they’re landing four unprotected first-round picks here. That should be enough to entice the Blazers to move on from Lillard. Should the Celtics give so much up for him?
Why The Boston Celtics Do The Deal
We think so. The Celtics are on the cusp of championship glory. They might as well push all in. Adding Lillard would help them do exactly that.
Yes, there are causes for concern here. The Celtics’ salary sheet would suddenly be extremely complicated. In time, this deal may require them to trade Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White just to make room for their superstar trio of Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown. This deal also leaves them without draft capital moving forward.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Boston Celtics Updates
Sure. On the other hand, the Celtics are assembling a star trio of Lillard, Tatum, and Brown. This deal likely makes them the best team in the NBA. If the Celtics are serious about competing for an NBA title, they’ve got to take a look at Lillard – assuming he’ll show up for training camp, of course.
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