Where exactly will Lillard go? ESPN analyzes 4 major transaction solutions: whether the Heat 8 for 2 can be realized
This article was compiled from: ESPN
Written by NBA Insiders
原标题：What a Damian Lillard trade could look like for four NBA teams
More than two months ago, seven-time All-Star Lillard applied for a trade to the Blazers, but so far, he has remained with the Blazers. Deal talks are at an impasse with Lillard looking to leave, while Blazers general manager Cronin wants the best return by sending Lillard away, whether it's from the Heat or 28 other teams. Lillard tweeted: "A wise man once chose silence. ”
ESPN's NBA experts analyzed Lillard's trade prospects and talked about the best four trade options, where else can Lillard go besides the Heat?
Option 1: Lillard takes his talent to the South Coast
The Heat get: Lillard and Nurkic
The Blazers get: Hilo, Lowry, Jaime Hax Jr., Jovic, first-round picks in 2027 and 2029, and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030
Given Lillard's age (about to turn 33) and contract (more than $200 million for the remaining four years), the team that takes over him needs to be capable enough to at least interest him, and the Blazers will still have to be competitive enough after the Trail Blazers complete the trade. The Heat may be the only destination where these two lines cross.
The chips that pioneers get are enough to build a better future. Hiero, Henderson and Sharp could be the core of a young team, and the plan may not be perfect enough for the Blazers to get the same reward as the Jazz sent Gobert, but it's already good.
Marks pointed out that it is difficult to have a market other than Lillard, so the Heat may not need Martin or more chips in the offer. If the pioneers get Hilo, they should not send him to a third party anytime soon, because the reward they receive is difficult to exceed the value of Hiro himself.
Option 2: A three-way deal allows Harden to do the same
76ers get: Lillard, Mann, Norman Powell, Covington
Blazers get: Korkmaz, Maxi, Springer, Batum, Coffey, Marcus Morris, 2028 and 2030 first-round (from the Clippers)
The Clippers get: Harden and Tobias-Harris
If the 76ers are willing to trade Maxi, a realistic three-way trade package would satisfy both Harden and Lillard's departure requirements. Lillard is Philadelphia's surest option to replace Harden, and he can help Embiid compete for a championship.
However, the deal came at the expense of Maxi, who turned 23 in November and averaged 20.3 points per game last season. But don't forget that this was Maxi's performance before signing his second contract, which was the pinnacle of his trade value, and the second contract changed the way we rated Hiro and Poole over the past year.
Previously, the 76ers were reluctant to let Maxi, but it could not be ruled out that they were suddenly willing to make some sacrifices for Lillard's partner Embiid and send Harris away. For the Clippers, acquiring Harden and Harris boosts the fight, but they cost a lot and cost Mann and future first-rounders. If the goal is to win the championship, this deal gives the Clippers the best chance. The Blazers are still rebuilding, getting Maxi as the core puzzle and two first-rounders.
Option 3: Lillard and McCollum reunite
Pelicans get: Lillard and Nurkic
The Blazers get: Zion, Dyson Daniels, Lewis Jr., Larry Nance Jr. and Marshall
The plan fits in with both teams, with the Pelicans wanting to start winning and the Blazers needing young stars to rebuild the future. Last season, before Zion's injury, the Pelicans even had a chance to hit first place in the West, with Ingram averaging a career-high 24.7 points per game. The deal could bring Lillard, Nurkic and McCollum back together, who reached the Western Conference finals in 2019.
The Blazers can get box office appeal Zion, who is only 23 years old and has a contract for the next five seasons. Zion, Simmons, Sharp and Henderson will form the young core, Daniels and Lewis are also on rookie contracts, and the Blazers have not been compensated for first-round picks but have received a lot of young talent. Of course, Zion's injury history puts the Blazers at risk, but this deal gives the Blazers something no other deal has, a future core (healthy state) locked in a five-year contract.
Option 4: Lillard becomes a small card 2.0?
The Raptors get: Lillard
The Blazers get: Anunoby, Butcher, Thaddeus Young, Dick and two first-rounders
The Raptors used to have made huge changes in order to get the small card, and it was an interesting place for Lillard, who lost VanVleet in free agency, and they could replace him with Lillard.
Anunobi is the core of the trade, and the Raptors will not send Barnes away for Lillard, but such an offer should also be worth considering by the Blazers. Lillard can give the Raptors an immediate boost on the offensive end, and his duo with Siakam is also competitive.
On the Blazers' side, they already have Henderson, Sharp and Simmons to drive offense, and adding a defensive core like Anunoby would make the whole team more balanced.
Both sides are at risk, and it would have been more valuable if the Raptors had traded VanVleet for Lillard in the first place, but Siakam has not renewed his contract, and if he leaves as a free agent, the Raptors will soon be in trouble. Anunoby wants a top salary of 247 million in five years, which is also a burden for the Blazers. If the Blazers don't plan to meet his renewal requirements, they may lose him too.