One NBA writer is proposing that the Toronto Raptors acquire Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers in a blockbuster trade. Michael Saenz of Sir Charles in Charge proposed that the Raptors trade Scottie Barnes, Gary Trent Jr., Chris Boucher, Malachi Flynn and two future draft picks to the Blazers for Lillard.
“In this deal, the Raptors would part ways with Scottie Barnes as the key asset in this deal, along with Gary Trent Jr., Chris Boucher, and Malachi Flynn,” Saenz wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “That should be enough to help make the money work for any deal for Lillard. Adding to that with a couple of future first-round draft picks would help put the icing on the offer.
“The Raptors would be making a strong effort to surround Siakam with a strong superstar in Lillard and, in the process, would open up a bigger role for OG Anunoby, who will likely be staying long-term in Toronto with the completion of this deal.”
NBA TRADE, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Toronto Raptors Updates
Lillard has demanded that the Blazers trade him to the Miami Heat. However, Portland doesn’t have to honor the request since Lillard doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract.
Back in the summer of 2018, the Raptors acquired Kawhi Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs despite Leonard making it known behind the scenes he wanted the Spurs to trade him to the Los Angeles Lakers or Los Angeles Clippers. Masai Ujiri took a huge risk trading for a player with one year left on his contract.
The gamble paid off, as Leonard guided the Raptors to the 2019 NBA championship over the Golden State Warriors in six games.
Even though Leonard left for the Clippers in the summer of 2019, he’s still a Raptors legend. Maybe Ujiri can recreate his Leonard magic with Lillard, who averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists last season for the Blazers.
Lillard would likely be upset if he got traded to the Raptors. Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, has been advising non-Heat teams to not trade for his client. The Blazers have not been impressed by the Heat’s trade package for Lillard, so it appears a third NBA team will need to get involved for Lillard to land in Miami.
NBA TRADE, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Toronto Raptors Updates
If the Raptors find a way to acquire Lillard, everyone in the NBA will pay attention to how the point guard acts in Toronto.
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