Despite a much-publicized trade demand in late June, Damian Lillard remains with the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard has made it known that he only wants to play for the Miami Heat, however, a new trade proposal has him packing winter clothes.
In a Bleacher Report trade proposal, Zach Buckley sends the All-Star Point Guard to Toronto in exchange for Scottie Barnes, Gradey Dick, Dennis Schroder, Chris Boucher, Thaddaeus Young, and a 2028 1st.
“Lillard would simultaneously scratch itches for spacing, scoring, shot-creation and star power, all while giving the organization clarity. Add him to the fold, and now re-signing both Siakam and Anunoby becomes a no-brainer. Lillard would lift this offense in all facets, and Toronto’s supporting cast would provide the defensive protection he has all too often been without in Portland.”
Letting go of the former Rookie of the Year in Barnes is hard to swallow, but the idea of having Lillard play alongside Siakam and Anunoby is intriguing as it gives him a superb supporting cast.
Where Portland is concerned, rebuilding around Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe with Barnes and Dick would leave them with a solid young core in the Western Conference. Add a few players they could move in exchange for other pieces and picks later on, such a move would be a win for both teams.
Where Lillard ends up is anyone’s guess at this point, but this move is as good as any given that he’s become disenchanted with Portland.
