Damian Lillard is one of the most loyal players in the NBA. His connection to the Portland Trail Blazers franchise and the city of Portland is well known. However, despite his commitment, the franchise hasn’t been able to surround Lillard with a championship core thus far.
There has been a recent report that suggested that Damian Lillard could request a trade out of Portland. If that eventuality were to happen, there would be a lot of teams lined up to trade their assets for a superstar of his caliber. Here are the best trade packages for Damian Lillard.
5. Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics Receive: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Robert Williams, Aaron Nesmith, 2023 Celtics first-round pick, 2025 Celtics first-round pick
The Boston Celtics are a team that would potentially trade for Damian Lillard in a win-now trade, to pair Jayson Tatum with another superstar. They would have to send out All-Star talent Jaylen Brown as the salary centerpiece in this deal, but also as the key attraction as Brown is an elite player who averaged 24.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, and 3.4 APG in the 2020-21 regular season.
Marcus Smart would be an elite defensive guard that would also double as a playmaker. Robert Williams is a solid defensive center, and Aaron Nesmith showed some promise shooting the ball. Both could be young players that would thrive during Portland’s rebuild/retool with more minutes. The two first-round picks are solid assets for the future, and overall, this package would provide the Trail Blazers with a lot of great assets.
4. Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Ben Simmons, Tyrese Maxey, Shake Milton, 2023 first-round pick, 2023 76ers first-round pick, 2026 76ers first-round pick
The Philadelphia 76ers would likely have to send out 3-time All-Star Ben Simmons if they want to land Damian Lillard and pair him with Joel Embiid. The 76ers could potentially make a dominant duo with this trade. For the Trail Blazers, Ben Simmons’ main appeal would be his status as a perennial DPOY candidate, as well as him being a great ballhandler and playmaker.
Tyrese Maxey and Shake Milton are both solid young guards who could thrive with more offensive touches. Maxey in particular has shown some promise during the playoffs, though he was inconsistent at times. Perhaps the Portland Trail Blazers will allow them an opportunity to prove themselves. The two first-round picks would give the Trail Blazers more assets for the future.
3. Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets Receive: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Monte Morris, 2022 Nuggets first-round pick, 2026 Nuggets first-round pick
The Denver Nuggets could potentially go all-in to pair Damian Lillard with Nikola Jokic. Jamal Murray is an electric point guard who elevates in the playoffs, while Michael Porter Jr. is a lengthy shooter who has some shot creation ability. While losing the two would be unfortunate for the Denver Nuggets, the chance to acquire a player of Lillard’s caliber doesn’t come around often, and perhaps the Nuggets could take the risk of acquiring older talent.
The other assets in this trade would be Monte Morris and future picks. Morris would be a solid spark plug off the bench, and could easily fill the backup PG role in Portland’s rotation. The two future picks would aid Portland in their rebuild. They could either be used as trade assets in the future or to draft players who can contribute.
2. New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Brandon Ingram, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Lonzo Ball (sign and trade), 2022 Lakers first-round pick, 2024 Pelicans first-round pick, 2025 Pelicans first-round pick
The New Orleans Pelicans could potentially offer the most assets for a potential Damian Lillard trade, which may put them in the best position to acquire Lillard. While they may offer more, this is what a reasonable starting offer looks like. They have former All-Star Brandon Ingram to offer, and he is an intriguing candidate for the centerpiece of the trade, as he averaged 23.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 4.9 APG. The Pelicans would also send out Lonzo Ball in a sign and trade, and he’s a solid point guard who showed an ability to facilitate and shoot. Nickeil Alexander-Walker could potentially be a good bench scorer.
The key appeal here is the New Orleans Pelicans being able to send out three first-round picks in a trade. Due to the Anthony Davis trade, they also have first-round picks from the Lakers, which reflects in the offer they would send. A bounty of first-round picks plus an All-Star talent, along with solid role players would potentially be the most the Trail Blazers could receive in a single trade. A Zion Williamson and Damian Lillard duo would be one of the best in the Western Conference, and perhaps the talent upgrade is worth it for the New Orleans Pelicans.
1. Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors Receive: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, Eric Paschall, 2021 No. 7 pick, 2021 No. 14 pick
The Golden State Warriors could send out a great offer for Damian Lillard with some solid pieces. Andrew Wiggins has transformed himself into a solid two-way player this season, and he would be the contract base for this deal. He averaged 18.6 PPG this season while having career-bests in efficiency. James Wiseman would be the main attraction: while Wiseman didn’t have the best first season and missed the All-Rookie teams, he showed flashes of talent that could be unlocked in a situation where he is allowed to develop. Eric Paschall made the All-Rookie team in 2019-20, and perhaps a move could get his career back on track.
The Golden State Warriors would also send out the No. 7 and No. 14 picks from the 2021 NBA Draft, a draft that has been touted by many as having a lot of great prospects all over the board. The Warriors may not send the most assets, but James Wiseman and two lottery picks may make their package the best one in terms of quality. While this is a lot to give up for one player, the potential of a superteam with Damian Lillard, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green would be hard to pass up. While the Golden State Warriors would be risking part of their future with this trade, they could maximize the prime of Stephen Curry while giving Damian Lillard a chance to win a ring with this trade.
