We love a good mystery. Who doesn’t love a bit of intrigue? When a mystery pertains to the NBA, we get especially excited. Recently, there have been whispers about a big one around the league.
Apparently, the Portland Trail Blazers have been talking to a “mystery Eastern Conference team” about Damian Lillard. This is a major development. For some time, it’s been assumed that the Blazers would send Lillard to the Miami Heat. That’s his preferred landing spot. Could they really send him to another team in the Conference?
Who could it be? It’s no surprise that plenty of teams would have an interest in Lillard. He’s one of the best offensive players in the NBA. With that said, here are three darkhorse suitors that we think could be taking a look at Lillard. Spoiler alert: they all play in the Eastern Conference.
Boston Celtics
Of every entry in this list, the Boston Celtics would be the least surprising mystery. Boston is a serious title contender. They could use a point guard. Why wouldn’t they be interested in Lillard?
Moreover, why wouldn’t Lillard be interested in them? Sure, we understand the appeal of Miami. It’s a fun city, the Heat’s culture is well-respected, and they’re fresh off of a trip to the NBA Finals. Still, the Celtics would have to be worth considering for Lillard, wouldn’t they? He’d be teaming up with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to form one of the very most talented trios in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Boston Celtics Updates
The Celtics have the means to make it happen, too. They’ve got plenty of easily moved contracts, some solid young players, and most of their own draft capital. This is definitely a situation worth keeping an eye on. Could the mystery suitor be someone a little more…mysterious?
Toronto Raptors
Like the Boston Celtics, the Toronto Raptors have the means to make this happen. They have enough draft capital, and they’ve got a better collection of young players. Even assuming that Scottie Barnes is off the table, the Raptors could send OG Anunoby, some contracts and picks and make a deal work.
Should Lillard want to join the Raptors? That’s a different question. This team had a disappointing 2022-23. They’re not distinctly a piece away from title contention. At the same time, Lillard would be an upgrade over the departed Fred VanVleet. The Raptors may thrive under a new head coach. Between Lillard, Barnes, and Pascal Siakam, the Raptors would have a talented core in their own right. If Barnes took a third-year leap, they could be contenders following a move for Lillard.
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The Raptors would need to do some homework before pulling the trigger. They’d need some assurance that Lillard was reporting to training camp if they were trading for him. As a matter of fact, that holds doubly true for this next squad.
Chicago Bulls
Now, we’re getting nutty. The Chicago Bulls? This was a lottery team last year – only, their lottery pick went to the Orlando Magic. Surely, they’re in no position to trade for Lillard. Shouldn’t the Bulls be rebuilding?
Perhaps. At the same time, the Bulls, in theory, could acquire Lillard while keeping Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic on their roster. They could move Lonzo Ball’s contract, Patrick Williams, and some more contracts, along with draft capital, and land Lillard. Wouldn’t that make them a radically different team?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Chicago Bulls Updates
The offensive firepower in that group could be overwhelming. This isn’t the obvious path forward for Chicago – trading the aforementioned players is. If their front office is averse to a rebuild, who knows? The Bulls could be Lillard’s mystery suitor.
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