The entire NBA is waiting for the Portland Trail Blazers to make a move. They’re expected to trade Damian Lillard. More specifically, they’re expected to trade him to the Miami Heat. Allegedly, that’s the only team he’s got any interest in joining.
Could Lillard reconsider that stance? It’s fair to say that the Heat do not have the best package to offer the Blazers. If Lillard expanded his list of suitors, it would be optimal for everyone involved. The Blazers would have more opportunities to move him, and Lillard would have more opportunities to join a winning team. Meanwhile, there are other contending teams that could use his services.
One of those teams is the Boston Celtics. Recently, it’s been reported that Jayson Tatum has tried to recruit Lillard to join the Celtics. This feels like a potentially good marriage that Lillard ought to consider. Here’s a deal that has him landing on the Celtics.
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon, F/C Robert Williams III, G Payton Pritchard, F Oshae Brissett, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 4 Protected – GSW via BOS), 2026 First-Round Pick (BOS), 2030 First-Round Pick (BOS)
Boston Celtics Receive: G Damian Lillard
Tatum may be recruiting Lillard. Rest assured that Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo have his ear as well. This is the landscape of the modern NBA. Star players are more connected than ever before. This has shaped the dynamics of the league’s market.
Gone are the days of blindly trading for a star. After all, star players are quicker to demand a trade than they’ve ever been before. Teams won’t trade for a star if they don’t think they can keep them. Otherwise, they risk surrendering assets for a short-term rental.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Boston Celtics & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
All of which has led us to where we are now. It’s even been suggested that Lillard and his agent have informed teams that Lillard isn’t interested in playing anywhere but Miami. Could Boston take a risk by acquiring him anyway?
Why The Boston Celtics Do The Deal
Well, here’s the question: what’s most important to Lillard? IS he craving South Beach’s weather and nightlife? Or, is Lillard in hot pursuit of an NBA championship? If it’s the latter, the Celtics ought to appeal to him.
We suspect that it’s the latter. So, why not Boston? Lillard would be joining forces with Tatum and Jaylen Brown. This would be one of the most talented teams in the NBA. Meanwhile, if feeling needed is a priority for Lillard, he should be happy to land in Boston. This team has been in need of a point guard for years.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Boston Celtics & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Finally, the Celtics would have the depth to support their new star trio as well. In fact, Kristaps Porzingis is arguably a fourth star. Derrick White and Al Horford would still be on the roster. This deal would give the Celtics as strong of a chance of winning next year’s title as any team in the NBA. What does it do for Portland?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
The Blazers should be expecting three first-rounders for Lillard. That feels like market value for him. Lillard is one of the best offensive players in the world, but he’s aging, expensive, and a limited defender. Three picks feel fair.
What else should they want? Well, young players. They’re getting some here. So, in some respects, this all boils down to how Portland feels about Robert Williams III. He’s a player who invites complicated feelings. Williams III is a dynamic talent, but unfortunately, he’s extremely prone to getting injured.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Boston Celtics & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Portland should take a risk on him anyway. If healthy, he’s exactly the type of versatile defensive big they need moving forward. Williams III could also be a dynamic pick-and-roll partner for Scoot Henderson. If he can’t get healthy, he’s on a team-friendly contract, and the Blazers still get their draft capital. Moreover, the NBA world can finally start watching someone else.
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