- Damian Lillard might not get traded to the Miami Heat
- There are teams who are gunning for a blockbuster deal this summer
- Expect contenders in both the Eastern and Western Conference to target Lillard
Damian Lillard’s trade request has been a major talking point in the NBA this summer because as we are around a month away from the start of the season, he has yet to be traded. The Miami Heat have obviously been the likely destination for the superstar point guard, but there has also been a mysterious team in the Eastern Conference that has been in talks.
We don’t know which team is being referred to, but amazingly, there might be more mysterious trade destinations that could be options for the player who averaged 32.2 points per game on 37.1% shooting from three last season. Striking a deal for arguably the best player in Portland Trail Blazers history and a top-two point guard in the game won’t be easy, but there is no doubt that there are more options than simply the Miami Heat.
Here are the three major trade destinations for Damian Lillard that are not only mysterious but also landscape-changing in both the Eastern Conference and Western Conference.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder are a team with a bright future thanks to a core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. However, a move for Damian Lillard could immediately place the Thunder on the map in the West.
Trade Details
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort, Victor Oladipo, 2024 Clippers First-Round Pick, 2025 Thunder First-Round Pick
Acquiring Damian Lillard instantly upgrades the Thunder’s backcourt. Lillard is a high-level scorer, elite ball-handler, and clutch performer. He can create his own shot and has a deep shooting range. His presence provides the Thunder with a primary scoring option, which they have been lacking outside of the 2023 surge by Gilgeous-alexander (31.4 points per game).
Lillard’s experience and leadership on and off the court can positively influence the Thunder’s young core. He can mentor the team’s emerging talents and help accelerate their development. The Thunder have been stockpiling future draft picks, and including the 2024 Clippers First-Round Pick and 2025 Thunder First-Round Pick in the trade represents a significant cost in terms of potential long-term assets for a chance to push forward.
The most significant advantage for the Thunder is the formation of an elite backcourt tandem featuring Damian Lillard and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Both players are exceptional ball-handlers, scorers, and playmakers. Lillard’s deep shooting and clutch ability complement Gilgeous-Alexander’s versatile scoring and playmaking skills. This duo has the potential to be one of the best in the league and can carry the team offensively.
The time for stockpiling picks is over and Oklahoma City should find a way to create a new and budding Big Three with Lillard joining Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren. While a championship won’t be guaranteed immediately in 2024, the trade certainly gets them closer than they have been since Kevin Durant was on the squad.
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors have enough talent to sneak into the playoffs in 2024 as currently constructed but a move for superstar Damian Lillard could be similar to what the franchise did in 2018 with Kawhi Leonard. In other words, the Raptors can contend with Lillard on the team.
Trade Details
Toronto Raptors Receive: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: OG Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr., Precious Achiuwa, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick
Damian Lillard would provide Toronto with a true superstar, something they have been lacking since the departure of Kawhi Leonard. His presence would also make the Raptors a more attractive destination for other free agents as well because, at 33 years old, he still has at least three or four years of his prime.
For the Raptors, acquiring Damian Lillard would be a game-changer. They would become immediate contenders in the Eastern Conference and would have a dynamic duo with Lillard and All-Star Pascal Siakam. The Raptors would have to part with valuable assets, including OG Anunoby and promising young players, but the opportunity to acquire a superstar like Lillard is rare and could be worth the cost.
The gamble for Kawhi Leonard worked wonders for the Raptors in 2019, and they could go all-in again for another top player. While Lillard is not on the level of Leonard as a two-way player or all-around star, Dame can do what he does best on offense while the improved Siakam continues his All-Star ways on both ends of the court.
Specifically, 22-year-old former Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes will also benefit greatly from Lillard’s presence. The forward has proven to be an excellent defender, rebounder, and playmaker and he could benefit from being a third option with a chance to make a push for the postseason. Toronto should go for Lillard as heavily as possible because they might not get another chance for a top player again.
New York Knicks
The New York Knicks are another mysterious team in the Eastern Conference that has a legitimate shot to acquire superstar Damian Lillard from Portland. The Knicks need a bonafide superstar to push for the Eastern Conference Finals, and they can do it by targeting Lillard.
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: RJ Barrett, Evan Fournier, Immanuel Quickley, 2024 Mavericks First-Round Pick, 2025 Bucks First-Round Pick
Adding Damian Lillard to the New York Knicks alongside Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson would significantly reshape their roster and potential in the Eastern Conference. Lillard, Randle, and Brunson would form a potent scoring trio.
Lillard’s elite scoring and playmaking, combined with Randle’s inside-outside scoring and Brunson’s complementary playmaking, create a versatile offensive attack that can keep the Knicks competitive against any opponent. Dame shot 37.1% from three last season and that would open up the floor for Randle in the post and provide Brunson with more passing options.
With both Lillard and Brunson on the floor, the Knicks would have multiple playmakers. This would lead to better ball movement, improved shot selection, and increased opportunities for teammates to score. They could play through Randle in the post, run pick-and-roll with Lillard and Brunson, or spread the floor for three-point shooting.
New York has been searching for their superstar player since Carmelo Anthony, and Lillard is on a different level when compared to Randle and Brunson who are both suitable for second and third options. The Knicks made it to the second round of the playoffs last season, but the acquisition of Lillard could take them to the Eastern Conference Finals at least.
Portland Can Rebuild In Any Trade, Lillard Can Improve Any Team
In the end, Portland will win in any of these trade situations that send Damian Lillard elsewhere. The key for the Trail Blazers is to bring in young players and first-round picks, and each trade package nets them that. Portland can find their point guard of the future in Josh Giddey, and Luguentz Dort will likely compete for the starting small forward spot.
In the Raptors’ package, Portland rebuilds around OG Anunoby, who is only 26 years old and fits well alongside Scoot Henderson. If they accept the Knicks package, the Trail Blazers can bring in 23-year-old RJ Barrett along with first-round picks as well. In any package, the Trail Blazers will gain the assets they are looking for.
However, the true winners are the team that ends up with Lillard. Oklahoma City is probably one true superstar away from actually pushing for the second round of the playoffs as currently constructed, and that means they will be a contender in two or three years once Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren gain more experience. With so many picks, the Thunder can manage to lose two of them.
The Raptors have been linked with superstars in the past, including Kevin Durant when he was available because they know going all-in seems to be the strategy for them. It worked with Kawhi Leonard in 2019, and it could work with Damian Lillard in 2024 when the likes of Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes are next to him. Head coach Darko Rajakovic can bring out the best of this Big Three and Canadians could be excited for another championship run.
Finally, in what would be a massive alteration in the NBA landscape, the Knicks can bring in one of the ten best players in the world for the first time since Carmelo Anthony. New York has an All-Star-quality duo of Randle and Brunson, but adding Lillard would mean the Knicks are coming with a Big Three.
The new starting lineup for the Knicks would be Jalen Brunson, Damian Lillard, Josh Hart, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson. While the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat are contenders, the Knicks would be right there with them.
