This year's NBA free market has been lively, with teams frantically engaged in purchasing models to bolster their rosters. Among them, the Rockets shelled out $190 million to sign VanVleet, Brooks, Jeff Green, Randale and Aaron Holladay, which undoubtedly brought a huge boost to their roster. The Lakers and Suns have also strengthened their lineups under the appeal of James and Durant, the two superstars. The Lakers gained a large number of instant power such as Vincent, Reddish, Hayes, and Prince, while the Suns signed Gordon, Eubanks and Diop after acquiring Beal, further strengthening their second team.
After a frenetic week, there are almost few quality players left in free agency. However, the biggest concern at the moment is the whereabouts of Harden and Lillard. Harden's trade may be delayed for a while, and although he made a trade request to the 76ers for the second time, the value of Harden's trade is not very high at the moment, and it will not be easy for the 76ers to send Harden away. Lillard's situation seems clearer, and as long as the Blazers lower their trade demands, his trade is expected to be done quickly.
Regarding Lillard's deal, the US media "FW" even listed 10 potential transaction options, which caused extensive discussion. These schemes involve different teams and players, giving people a lot of room for imagination.
Heat 5-for-1 trade plan
The Heat, as Lillard's designated next home, can take Hiro, Duncan Robinson, Jovic and two first-round picks to get Lillard, but according to the news, the current Heat's chips do not impress the Blazers management, and they need to pull in a third team to complete the deal.
Spurs 5-for-1 trade package
They sent Keldon Johnson, McDermott, Devin Vasserer and first-round picks in 2026 and 2028 to the Blazers in exchange for Lillard to assist Venbanyamar. This program provides future assets with young and promising stars to meet the needs of trailblazers for redevelopment.
Thunder 5-for-1 trade plan
The Thunder can use Josh Giddy, Lugentz Dort and 2024, 2026, 2027 first-round picks to trade Lillard, in fact, this plan, relatively reliable, the Thunder want to go further, taking Lillard will accelerate the pace of team improvement, potential young players plus multiple first-round picks combination, for the Blazers have a strong attraction.
Clippers 4-for-1 trade package
The chips available to the Clippers are Powell, Terence-Mann, Zubac and a 2028 first-round pick. To be honest, this set of offers can't even be traded by Harden, can it still impress Blazers management? Unless the Clippers are willing to send a few more first-round picks, it's basically no talk.
Philadelphia 76ers 4-for-1 trade package
The 76ers sent Maxi, Harris, 2024, 2029 first-round picks for Lillard, this deal is completely unreasonable, Harden's departure is inevitable, the 76ers take two more first-round picks to trade Lillard, it is completely self-destructive, for the Blazers, Maxi and Anfini Simmons overlap, so the attraction is not enough.
Lakers 3-for-1 trade package
They could send Russell, Reeves and a 2029 first-round pick in exchange for Lillard to complement James and Thick Brow to form a competitive Big Three.
Bulls 3-for-1 trade scheme
The Bulls could send LaVine and first-round picks in 2026 and 2028 to get Lillard. This plan makes even less sense, both teams are teams in urgent need of reconstruction, and such a swap does not make sense. Besides, Bulls management wouldn't have made such a stupid decision.
Celtics 2-for-1 trade package
Jaylen Brown + 2024 first-round pick for Lillard. Lillard's resilience in key moments can help the Celtics go further, and Jaylen Brown can form the Blazers twins with Henderson, plus a first-round pick, the Blazers can reduce the impact of losing Lillard and still keep the team competitive.
Pelicans 2-for-1 trade scheme
Take Zion and get Lillard with the 2028 first-round pick, outrageous! The Pelicans and Blazers must hate each other when they see such a plan.
Grizzlies 1-for-1 trade package
The Grizzlies can trade Morant for Lillard, and to be honest, it's outrageous to his grandmother's house.
These packages cover different chips and offers and are designed to bring Lillard to the team. However, there are certain pros and cons to each option, and the Blazers need to carefully weigh a variety of factors, including the team's future plans and interests, when considering a trade.
While there are also trades, such as the Grizzlies trading Morant for Lillard or the Pelicans taking Zion and getting Lillard in the first round pick in 2028, this does not dampen fans' speculation and expectations. In the NBA, the whereabouts and trades of players have always been the focus of attention, and the future of Harden and Lillard has become a hot topic of discussion among fans. Their decision will have a significant impact on the team and the league, while also sparking passion and excitement among fans.
Whatever Harden and Lillard ultimately choose, their whereabouts will be the focus of basketball. As two top defenders, their addition will be hugely transformative and competitive for any team. At the same time, their departure will also have a profound impact on the team's reconstruction and future planning. In this summer of trades, fans can continue to look forward to and follow where Harden and Lillard are headed, cheering or regretting their decisions. Whatever the final outcome, this will be an exciting chapter that deserves our continued attention and anticipation.