Top 5 potential destination for Damian Lillard if he forces way out of Portland Trail Blazers
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Damian Lillard Trade To LA Lakers
The Portland Trail Blazers have witnessed a Damian Lillard supremacy over the years. Their marquee player has set a new tone for the team altogether. Not only on the scoring end, but he has been involved in some of the best chances created and outlet passes. However, the star is potentially on his way out of the club after an early playoff exit and rough team game at the Portland Trail Blazers last year. Despite dropping 60-points and making impossible comebacks, the team as a whole failed to make it past to further stages. Let’s look at the teams who could be interested to sign the legendary player.
Damian Lillard was really impressive last season. His desperate efforts along with CJ McCollum was not enough to get them past. Lillard put up 34.3 points and 10.2 assists in six playoff games this season while averaging a career playoff high 41.3 minutes per contest. He did not get much help from CJ McCollum, Jusuf Nurkic and other key role players as the Blazers fell to a depleted Denver Nuggets team. Just before his trade, here are some possible options for Damian Lillard if he storms out of Trail Blazers.
Potential teams who can acquire Damian Lillard
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most preferred one who will try to acquire the superstar. They have been loud about making small market buyouts for superstar seemingly struggling. Lillard will fit well into the squad as a better point guard than Dennis Schroder who has opted to move out. Along with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard will be just the right combination. But Lakers need to put their salary cap in a better stage.
New York Knicks
The Knicks have draft picks to give away and are looking for a superstar. After making the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons, the Knicks don’t want to lose that momentum. Damian Lillard would be a box office star in New York, which has enough cap space to take on his current deal. The Knicks would also be able to add another star in free agency to go along with a developing young core. But Lillard may consider based on team performance over the years.
Golden State Warriors
To a good news for the Warriors, they still have 2 lottery picks left. So they will probably look for someone who can pair along Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Damian Lillard is a more responsible player who can continue the shooing streak. More than that they need a player who can make in and out plays other than shooting. Lillard would certainly boost Golden State’s chances of winning another title and he gets to return to his hometown in this deal.
Orlando Magic
This is not a great fit for Damian Lillard, who would not want to get involved in another questionable rebuilding process. However, the Magic have the assets to make a deal Portland will be okay with. This includes two 2021 lottery picks and plenty of salary filler options. Lillard doesn’t have a no-trade clause, so he doesn’t have much of a choice when it comes to his destination if he wants to leave. Orlando would get a superstar guard to balance out a roster loaded with frontcourt players.
Miami Heat
The Heat are always looking to add top talent and Damian Lillard fits the bill. He would probably embrace “Heat Culture” and the yearly pursuit of championships no matter what the cost. Miami doesn’t have much to trade in terms of draft picks, but can send Tyler Herro and Precious Achiuwa to Portland in any deal. The Heat will have to deal with restricted free agents Duncan Robinson, but could add Lillard into their existing cap space prior to matching offers. Miami will also have to see what Goran Dragic and Andre Iguodala do with their respective team options.
Also Read: NBA 2021 free Agents: Top 10 Players who are available before 2021 NBA season
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Sumeet Singh
(384 Articles Published)