The Portland Trail Blazers have to part with Damian Lillard over the summer but don’t seem thrilled about the option. Lillard wants to only join the Miami Heat, while the Blazers are adamant they’ll send Dame to the team with the best package.
A team with a possibly compelling package for Dame could be the Chicago Bulls, as Zach Lowe described what a deal could look like between the teams.
“Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams. Patrick Williams is the big one for me because I am on the lookout for rookie-scale guys and he’s toward the end of his rookie deal and there aren’t many rookie-scale studs that I can really take a look at and say, ‘maybe that guy’s team wants Damian Lillard…”
Lowe explained how picks could play a crucial role in this deal.
“Portland gets its pick back from Chicago. I give you that pick back and if I am really feeling like I gotta beat Miami’s offer, I call the Spurs and ask them to amend the protections on our pick so that I can toss in two more first-round picks to Portland.”
Lillard is probably going to give the Blazers some wiggle room later to send him to a contender like the Celtics or a set-up like the Nets where he may be the piece they need to return to contention. The Bulls seem a little far-fetched, though it’s worth it for them to try and run out a duo of Dame and DeMar DeRozan.
Why Would The Blazers Say Yes?
Patrick Williams is a former fourth-overall pick whose value never developed in the quasi-win-now situation Chicago built for itself. He missed most of the 21-22 season due to injury, so the Blazers could be a place where he rehabilitates his value. They have room in the frontcourt, and Williams could be a great fit. He averaged 10.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists last season.
LaVine averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists last season but has concerns about his mega contract and injuries. Either way, his production ensures some teams will be interested in a player with his athletic skill set and scoring ability. Even if the Blazers don’t want him, they can find a home for more assets.
Getting the Bulls to give Portland its pick back as they go into a rebuild would be a massive get, and those future Bulls picks could be extremely valuable. This is an interesting but unlikely trade destination for Lillard.
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