As the Portland Trail Blazers (32-42) continue to struggle for the second consecutive season, the probability of Damian Lillard being traded looks more likely.
Shams Charania said via FanDuel TV, “You have to wonder if he’s going to play another game for the Portland Trail Blazers. I expect there to be real conversations this offseason.”
This season, the 32-year-old superstar is averaging 32.2 points, 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds and shooting 46% from the floor. He could instantly turn many teams into top-tier title contenders.
Here are three teams that should consider targeting Lillard if he is made available:
1. New York Knicks
In many of its attempts to acquire a superstar, New York has come up short. They can’t let that happen again. The Knicks haven’t made the NBA Conference Finals since 2000.
While they’ve had a good season (42-32) behind the stellar play of Jalen Brunson, not many expect them to really compete come playoff time. Adding Lillard to the mix would change the expectations behind the team. Lillard shines in the brightest of lights, always seeming to rise to the occasion. What better place than Madison Square Garden?
“I suspect we’re going to have a completely different mindset amongst star players where the Knicks become an option,” said ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
The only question for New York is whether he and Brunson can work together or if Brunson becomes the centerpiece of any deal.
2. Miami Heat
The Heat look to be in need of something fresh—a spark into the organization. They’re having a disappointing season (40-35) coming off last season’s Conference Finals appearance, just four points shy of the NBA Finals.
Outside of Tyler Herro, Miami lacks consistent perimeter offense, and Kyle Lowry is clearly slowing down, having the worst season his career. Adding Lillard to this defensive-minded squad with Erik Spoelstra at the helm is an enticing idea. A big three of Lillard, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo would instantly propel the franchise into the conversation with the beasts of the East.
3. Los Angeles Clippers
If all fails yet again in the playoffs for the Clippers (39-36), owner Steve Ballmer may look to reshuffle the roster yet again, especially before moving into his new area, the “Intuit Dome.”
The West may be as loaded as ever. If teams want to compete, they will have to go all in. Los Angeles has already proven in the Paul George deal that they have no problem putting all their chips on the table. Maybe they will do it again.
Matching Lillard up with George and Kawhi Leonard would be a scary sight for any opposition. As the Clippers continue their quest for its first championship in franchise history, Lillard may be its best option.
