Damian Lillard is one of the most loyal players in the NBA. He has spent all of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers thus far, reaching superstar status, and has helped Portland be a perennial contender for the playoffs in the Western Conference. However, despite his successful career, Damian Lillard still hasn’t made it to the NBA Finals. Damian Lillard is currently 30 years old, and perhaps there will come a time in the future where he wants to be on a contender for the championship.
If Damian Lillard does end up leaving the Portland Trail Blazers, it would be for a team that allows him to team up with some All-Stars on a roster. If the move is executed by trade, then any team that would want to get him would have to give up a huge trade package in return. Two teams that would be good destinations for Damian Lillard would be the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers. Both teams would offer Lillard the opportunity to play with established superstars, and take some of the offensive load off of Lillard’s shoulders.
The Warriors Get A Damian Lillard-Stephen Curry Backcourt
Golden State Warriors Receive: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, Eric Paschall, two future first-round picks
Stephen Curry is a player whose offensive presence cannot be ignored. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc is insane, and teams often pick him up on defense right at the half-court, in order to prevent a quick 3PT attempt. Lillard offers a similar offensive presence: the Portland star often shoots from way beyond the 3PT line and is well known for the range that he possesses. Adding an outside shooter like Damian Lillard to the Golden State Warriors would supercharge their offense. Having two sharpshooters who can pull up for a shot right as they cross the half-court line is a good proposition for any team, and that’s without even mentioning Klay Thompson. The Golden State Warriors adding Lillard would also help Draymond Green, as he is a player who thrives on setting up scorers for easy baskets. Damian Lillard to the Warriors would be dangerous for the rest of the league, and that team would become an instant favorite for the title.
The Golden State Warriors would have to send out an enticing package for Lillard in order for the Trail Blazers to let him go. This particular package is centered on Andrew Wiggins, who has shown himself to be an elite two-way wing this season, often picking up the toughest assignment on the court. The Warriors would add in two young prospects in James Wiseman and Eric Paschall, both of whom would develop better in a place where they would get more touches. Wiseman has the athleticism and the tools to be an all-time big man: in Portland, he could become the key to their future. Some draft compensation would be required in order to land a superstar of Lillard’s level, hence the inclusion of the two first-round picks. If the Golden State Warriors were Lillard’s desired destination, then this package would surely get the deal done.
The Los Angeles Lakers Create An Unstoppable Big Three
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Montrezl Harrell (sign and trade), Talen Horton-Tucker (sign and trade), Kyle Kuzma, Alex Caruso, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Adding Damian Lillard to a roster that has two superstars already would be insane. Having a big three of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Damian Lillard would be absolutely insane, and LeBron James playmaking would work great with the spacing from Damian Lillard. Lillard’s presence would give that team an elite perimeter threat, and be an immediate upgrade at the PG position from this season. LeBron James has spoken highly of Damian Lillard in the past, and their fit on the court would be borderline perfect. Every member of this big three can get their own shot, which is important when it comes to the postseason. Damian Lillard would provide a different edge to the offense, and having LeBron James running the offense would allow him to focus on what he does best: scoring the basketball. If the Los Angeles Lakers do not win the championship this season, then LeBron James could certainly try and recruit Lillard. LeBron James is getting older every season, and perhaps a win-now move would be the solution if they fall short this year.
The Los Angeles Lakers would have to send out a lot of players in order to bring Damian Lillard to Los Angeles. Alex Caruso and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are solid 3 and D players who can fit on any roster. Montrezl Harrell is a solid big man who is just hitting his prime, and Talen Horton-Tucker could potentially become a great combo guard with some development minutes. Kyle Kuzma has already shown that he can be a capable scorer in this league: Kuzma would be a great starting forward, and with this trade, he’d likely be able to start in Portland. This is a decent package for a superstar like Damian Lillard. It is hard to resist playing with LeBron James: if Damian Lillard wishes to do so, then surely the Blazers would grant his request. This scenario could happen if the Trail Blazers want players who will help them immediately, with some upside for the future. LeBron James is one of the best teammates to have if you’re looking for a championship, and perhaps Damian Lillard would want to explore teaming up in the near future.
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