Damien Lillard, as the Trail Blazers' star and one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA. He has publicly stated that the Portland Blazers' playoff window has closed, which is a very headache for him who has just received a super maximum salary extension, and many media fans have said that it is time for Damien Lillard to apply for a trade and leave, and he should fight for the championship. To this end, the US media "Fadeaway World" listed the three most likely teams for Damian Lillard in the 2023-24 season, let's analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and New York Knicks after obtaining Damien Lillard.
1. Join the Los Angeles Lakers to build a new Big Three
Los Angeles Lakers trade gained: Damien Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers trade to get: Dangelo Russell (money later), Jallard Vanderbilt, 2019 first-round pick
The first is the Los Angeles Lakers, and if Damien Lillard joins the Lakers to form the new Los Angeles Lakers "Big Three" with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, it will be one of the most powerful Big Three combinations in league history. The Lakers will operate more regularly on the offensive end, and Damien Lillard's scoring skills and shooting ability will make the Lakers more deadly. In addition, because the Lakers have established a stable defensive system, the addition of Damien Lillard will give the Lakers more flexible options on the offensive end.
However, the Lakers have tight salary space, the Lakers will have to deal with Damien Lillard's contract through trade or other means, and they may need to give up some important role players in exchange for Damien Lillard, which does not seem like a good option. Moreover, Damien Lillard's annual salary in the coming seasons exceeds that of Anthony Davis and LeBron James, and the Lakers' salary space will be completely locked and cannot be strengthened.
2. Joining the Celtics is also building the Big Three
Boston Celtics trade gained: Damien Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers trade to get: Malcolm Brogdon, Smart, Robert Williams, 2024 first-round pick, 2026 first-round pick
The Boston Celtics received an excellent outside shooter from the deal. The Celtics will be able to become more threatening on the offensive end. Damien Lillard's excellent scoring ability and playmaking skills will provide the Celtics with an immeasurable advantage, which is crucial for the Celtics as they are fighting for the championship.
However, the Celtics need to give up some important role players in order to acquire Damien Lillard, which may affect the strength of the Celtics on the bench and may cause the new team defense system to be re-established to create a defense that can adapt to Damien Lillard's style.
3. Join the New York Knicks, New York finally waited for a superstar player after many years
New York Knicks trade acquired: Damien Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers trade to get: RJ Barrett, Quickley, Obito Ping, 2024 first-round pick, 2025 first-round pick
If Damien Lillard joins the Knicks, he will become one of the most capable players in Knicks history. Damien Lillard is excellent at scoring, organizing offense and leading the team forward, and his addition will make the Knicks extremely threatening on the offensive end. Lillard will also inspire the rest of the Knicks to be more active in the game and make the Knicks one of the more competitive teams in the league.
However, the Knicks need to give up some important young players and draft picks in order to acquire Damien Lillard, which may affect the Knicks' future direction. Because Damien Lillard's peak seems to be only 1-2 seasons away, but the peak of young players is at least 5-8 seasons away.
Taken together, the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and New York Knicks all have the potential to become competitive teams after acquiring Damien Lillard. However, these teams need to take into account the challenges and difficulties they face after acquiring Damien Lillard, as well as resolving contract and roster issues through trade or other means.