It’s been said that fortune favors the brave. In more colloquial terms: scared money don’t make none. That’s as true in the NBA as it is anywhere else.
Sometimes, teams need to take risks. That might mean acquiring a player who’s not on their current timeline. Alternatively, it could even mean trading for a player who may not want to join the team. It’s a risky move, but if it works out, it’ll pay dividends.
With that in mind, there must be plenty of teams who are considering taking a risk on Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers at the moment. Apparently, he only wants to join the Miami Heat. That doesn’t mean that the Blazers have to send him to his preferred destination. Could the Oklahoma City Thunder take a risk on Lillard?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Davis Bertans, G/F Victor Oladipo, G/F Josh Giddey, F Kenrich Williams, F/C Aleksej Pokusevski, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 4 Protected – HOU via OKC), 2026 First-Round Pick (LAC via OKC), 2028 First-Round Pick (OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: G Damian Lillard, F Nassir Little, F Jabari Walker
The Lillard situation is complicated. It’s the talk of the NBA. We don’t know how it’s going to unfold. For that matter, we don’t even know the details.
Are Lillard and his agents really telling teams outside of the Heat that he won’t show up for training camp? We don’t know. Should it matter? Can Lillard really dictate his own landing spot this way? He’s not a free agent. Shouldn’t Portland be able to trade him anywhere they choose?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Oklahoma City Thunder & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
So many questions, and so few answers. Yet, there are conclusions to be drawn here. Other teams can trade for Lillard if they’re willing to stomach the risk. He’s on a long-term contract: it’s likely that, if nothing else, he’ll show up for training camp. Whether he’ll be happy about it is a different question. Should the Thunder take a risk on trading for a disgruntled star?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
Well, what type of team should be acquiring Lillard? It should be a contender, right? Do the Thunder meet that standard? That’s a complicated question to answer. It is fair to say that this team looked like they were ready to take a step forward last season.
In particular, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked like a superstar. Frankly, he might be the most talented teammate Lillard has ever had. The duo would be forming one of the best backcourts in the entire NBA. That could very well be the basis of a contending team.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Oklahoma City Thunder & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Meanwhile, the Thunder have a platoon of quality defensive players in their frontcourt. If Chet Holmgren looks the part of a future star as a rookie, they’ll be in good shape. If he can develop into an impact player before Lillard ages out of his prime, this could turn the Thunder into serious title contenders. What does it do for the Blazers?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
Meanwhile, the hangup in a Lillard-to-Miami deal seems to be Tyler Herro. The Blazers are stacked with young guards, and apparently aren’t interested in adding Herro. With that in mind, should they have an interest in Josh Giddey?
We think so. Giddey is 6’7 – he’s not beholden to playing guard. Giddey could be this team’s starting 3 moving forward. Meanwhile, even if there are fit issues, Giddey will have tremendous trade value. Whether this is a long-term or short-term arrangement is a secondary concern – the Blazers need to get as much value as they can for Lillard.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Oklahoma City Thunder & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
That’s what they’re doing here. Giddey may be the highlight of the package, but three unprotected first-round picks count for a lot as well. All told, this should be enough for them to move on from Lillard – if the Thunder are willing to incur the risk of acquiring him. that is.
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