- Reports have suggested that the Chicago Bulls are interested in Damian Lillard and may trade Zach LaVine in a potential deal
- According to HoopsHype, the Portland Trail Blazers are not interested in acquiring Zach LaVine
- The franchise is committed to a younger backcourt tandem of Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons
The Portland Trail Blazers seem to be ramping up their plans for a Damian Lillard trade. The superstar point guard has made it clear that he wants to join the Miami Heat, but the Chicago Bulls have recently entered the race.
Zach LaVine has been discussed as an All-Star who could be on the move for over a year now. And his name is being thrown into potential trade scenarios involving Lillard. But it seems the Blazers are not interested in acquiring LaVine even if he is available.
“Multiple league sources indicated throughout the offseason that the Trail Blazers showed little interest in acquiring LaVine directly, mostly because he doesn’t match their rebuilding path and commitment to a young backcourt of Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons,” HoopsHype reported.
Zach LaVine has been named an All-Star twice in the last three seasons. At 27, he has entered his prime and he is averaging 25.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 0.9 steals per game for the last five seasons of his career.
Despite this, he has not been able to help the Bulls gain much team success. Having drafted Scoot Henderson, it seems the Blazers are not interested in a scoring guard coming back their way in a trade involving Damian Lillard.
A Blockbuster Three-Team Trade Involving Damian Lillard And Zach LaVine Could Be The Answer
Despite reports that the Blazers are working to conclude a deal for Damian Lillard before training camp, there is no imminent trade with Miami in sight for the organization.
A three-team deal could end up being the only option, and our writer Ishaan Bhattacharya suggested a blockbuster move involving the Blazers, Bulls, and Knicks that might work out for all involved parties.
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: RJ Barrett, Patrick Williams, Evan Fournier, 2024 First Round Pick (DAL), 2025 First Round Draft Pick (NYK), 2026 First Round Pick (CHI), 2028 Second Round Pick (CHI)
New York Knicks Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Damian Lillard
This deal would still not end up with Damian Lillard reaching the Miami Heat as he prefers, but it would make sense for the Blazers and the Knicks. Whether such a move will happen remains to be seen, since Portland seemingly doesn’t want LaVine.
Damian Lillard Is Expected To Request Another Trade If Sent Anywhere But The Heat
The Portland Trail Blazers could have dealt Damian Lillard by now if they had free reign to choose the right deal for them. His insistence on joining the Miami Heat has been a big thorn in their side.
And it seems that even if they do pull off a trade that sees him land with the Bulls, another trade request will be forthcoming with immediacy. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that Damian Lillard would request a trade from any team that isn’t the Miami Heat.
This saga has held up many potential trades across the NBA, and the hope is that it will get resolved soon. If the Chicago Bulls do want to get involved in the sweepstakes for Damian Lillard anyway, then they might have to find another taker for LaVine.
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