The Portland Path Blazers look like holding onto celebrity Damian Lillard for pricey life after failing to make the playoffs for the second straight season. That moved them additional away from his acknowledged objective of competing for a championship. Because of this, they are going to doubtless be lively this summer time, making an attempt to construct round him as soon as once more, however he will even flip 34, and his endurance might quickly run out.
In response to Mike Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Brooklyn Nets could possibly be a touchdown spot for Damian Lillard ought to he determine to depart Portland.
Whereas Brooklyn could seem to be a shocking alternative, contemplating they have been compelled to commerce their two All-Stars midseason, it is smart on paper.
If Lillard asks out of Portland, it will presumably be to go to a giant market. The Nets play in a giant market, and in contrast to different big-market groups just like the Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, and Celtics, they’ve much more monetary flexibility.
What might a Nets-Blazers deal for Lillard appear like?
Path Blazers Get
Ben Simmons
Joe Harris
Nic Claxton
5 first-round picks
Nets Get
Damian Lillard
Jusif Nurkic
Regardless of his low commerce worth in the mean time, Ben Simmons would in all probability should be concerned in a hypothetical commerce with the Blazers since it will make it simpler to match salaries with Lillard making $45 million subsequent season. If the Blazers comply with deal Lillard, they are going to in all probability wish to do away with heart Jusuf Nurkic and the remaining three years on his contract.
Brooklyn might accommodate in addition to ship again heart Nic Claxton, who was a Defensive Participant of the 12 months candidate. Claxton is barely 24 and can earn simply $8.8 million subsequent season, making him a worthwhile asset along with picks.
The Nets have been beforehand mild on draft picks after buying James Harden from Houston however now discover themselves with 5 lately acquired first-round choices. This can be a results of the Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant trades, which makes a take care of the Blazers simpler to check. The Nets might provide all 5 of these first-rounders, one thing that few groups can match, together with not one of the groups on a hypothetical listing of touchdown spots for Lillard.
Ought to Brooklyn get a deal carried out for Lillard, they’ve Mikal Bridges to pair him with. Bridges has taken his sport to the subsequent stage since being acquired from Phoenix and could possibly be a promoting level if Scotto’s and Isola’s intel is right.
All in all, Lillard has continued to disclaim wanting out of Portland, and the Blazers doubtless wouldn’t transfer him if he didn’t demand to be dealt. Issues can clearly change, however a commerce with Brooklyn doesn’t seem imminent in the mean time.
