The Toronto Raptors are interested in trading for Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard. However, according to NBA insider Kurt Helin of NBC Sports, the Raptors are not offering Scottie Barnes for Lillard.
The Raptors have convinced teams that their interest in trading for Lillard is genuine, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. However, it’s believed Lillard is resistant to the idea of becoming a Raptor.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Scottie Barnes, Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors Updates
“The Toronto Raptors have convinced numerous teams around the league that their interest in trading for Lillard is genuine,” Stein wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “The uncertainty at this point stems more from gauging Toronto’s true willingness to push all the way forward with its Lillard pursuit when it’s believed that the All-Star guard, behind the scenes, remains so resistant to the idea of becoming a Raptor.”
Barnes appeared in 77 games for the Raptors last season. He averaged 15.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists while shooting 45.6% from the field, 28.1% from beyond the arc and 77.2% from the free-throw line.
The Raptors drafted Barnes with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Florida State. Barnes, who won the 2021-22 Rookie of the Year Award, has career averages of 15.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists.
One of the best players in NBA history, Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists last season in 58 games while shooting 46.3% from the field, 37.1% from beyond the arc and 91.4% from the free-throw line. The Blazers would like to trade Lillard before the start of training camp, sources told NBA Analysis Network.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Scottie Barnes, Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors Updates
Lillard signed a two-year, $121.7 million extension with the Blazers in July 2022. He’ll make $45.6 million next season.
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