NBA Anfernee Simons #1 and Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers react after beating the Phoenix Suns 113-111 in overtime at Moda Center on October 21, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
For those who have been following the Damian Lillard trade saga closely, it appears that we may soon have a resolution. According to NBA insider Marc J. Spears, the Portland Trail Blazers are looking to move him very soon.
The deadline is expected to be before Portland’s media day, which is set for October 2nd. That means that Lillard will likely have a new team within the next six days. If true, that would be a surprisingly soon end date considering Lillard initially requested a trade back on July 2nd.
The quick turnaround would even allow him to play some preseason games with his new team. However, at the moment, we still don’t have a clear idea of where he will be playing next season.
NBA Rumors: Damian Lillard could soon be traded.
The Toronto Raptors have now apparently become the frontrunners to acquire him, but another report has also stated that Lillard would be unwilling to suit up for any team besides the Blazers or the Miami Heat next season.
The Raptors could call Lillard’s bluff and trade for him anyway, knowing that he can’t hold out forever since he is under contract for four more seasons. On the other hand, the Raptors may not be willing to give up significant assets, knowing that Lillard will be unhappy playing in Toronto when his first option would be Miami.
That could make the Blazers balk at potential offers and could even possibly complicate that deadline. The framework of a potential deal could include the Raptors shipping out OG Anunoby, 2023 lottery pick Grady Dick, a future first-round pick, and salary filler to the Blazers. The trade may also include more teams, with the Phoenix Suns being rumored as a possibility.
No matter how many teams are ultimately part of a Lillard trade, the Raptors or Heat appear likely to be his next team. Moreover, if Spears is right, a trade will soon be made official by this time next week.
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Author: Cal Durrett
September 26, 2023 | 3:30 pm
