In the NBA, the best thing you can do is expect the unexpected. You may think your predictions are solid. Yet, every offseason, something unpredictable happens.
Keep that in mind when you’re looking at the latest NBA rumors. For example, we all know that Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers wants to be traded. Moreover, we all know that he wants to join the Miami Heat. It’s easy enough to predict that Lillard will eventually land in South Beach. Could something less predictable happen?
After all, Lillard is one of the best offensive players in the NBA. Plenty of teams would be interesting in landing him. Meanwhile, a handful of teams would have the assets to make a compelling offer. What about the Utah Jazz?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers receive: G Collin Sexton, G/F Talen Horton-Tucker, G/F Ochai Agbaji, G Keyonte George, 2025 First-Round Pick (CLE via UTA), 2027 First-Round Pick (MIN via UTA), 2027 First-Round Pick (Top-4 Protected – LAL via UTA), 2028 First-Round Pick (UTA)
Utah Jazz receive: G Damian Lillard
Utah is a far cry from Miami. We realize that. This is not likely to be Lillard’s preference. Unfortunately, Lillard’s narrow preference is likely to pose a problem for the Trail Blazers.
Moreover, this seems to be a trend. James Harden wants to be traded from the Philadelphia 76ers. Apparently, he’s only interested in joining the Los Angeles Clippers. When a star player requests a trade, they usually provide a list of teams they’d be interested in joining. Usually, that list is longer than one team.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damoam Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Utah Jazz Updates
At least, they used to be. Now, it seems commonplace for star players to back their teams into a corner. We’ll see how it unfolds. For example, if a team is willing to take a risk on acquiring Lillard even if he’s not happy to join them, they’ll be within their rights. Should the Jazz be that team?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
Let’s table that discussion. Lillard may or may not be open to joining the Jazz. They’d have to do some homework to confirm whether he’s willing to play for them. For now, let’s focus on the basketball fit.
Frankly, it’s pristine. The Jazz were a competitive team last year in spite of not rostering an elite offensive guard. Now, they’ll have one. With Lauri Markkanen as the second option and Walker Kessler as the defensive anchor, the Jazz could be legit title contenders with Lillard. Meanwhile, they’ll have tremendous depth with Kelly Olynyk and Jordan Clarkson remaining on the roster.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damoam Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Utah Jazz Updates
The Jazz are in a unique position. They’ve got the draft capital to make a compelling offer for Lillard. They’ve also got enough cap space to take on his contract without matching it perfectly. All told, this makes sense for the Jazz if Lillard is willing to join them. Does it make sense for the Blazers?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
Yes. This is a no-brainer for the Blazers. If the Jazz are willing to make this offer, they need to accept it. This deal provides Portland with everything they need to rebuild.
If there are any reservations, it’ll have to do with Sexton’s fit with the rest of this roster. We’ll admit that it’s shaky. That’s irrelevant. The Blazers can trade him down the road if he’s playing well. They won’t prioritize him over Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe or Anfernee Simons. In the meantime, he’s here to make the money work.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damoam Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Utah Jazz Updates
Otherwise, we’ve got Portland landing three unprotected firsts and another lightly protected pick in this deal. That’s a bigger haul of draft capital than the Heat can offer. If the Jazz are willing to part with it, the Blazers should pounce – even if nobody’s predicting it.
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