By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Raptors NationRaptors Nation
  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • Videos
  • History
  • Gallery
Reading: Could The Raptors Be The ‘Mystery Team’ In Damian Lillard Sweepstakes?
Aa
Raptors NationRaptors Nation
Aa
  • News
  • Rumors
  • Recap
  • History
  • Games
Search
  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • Videos
  • History
  • Gallery
Follow US
  • Advertise
Copyright 2023 Raptorsnation | All Rights Reserved | Website By Hero Landers
Home > Blog > Rumors > Could The Raptors Be The ‘Mystery Team’ In Damian Lillard Sweepstakes?
Rumors

Could The Raptors Be The ‘Mystery Team’ In Damian Lillard Sweepstakes?

Luca Rosano
Last updated: 2023/09/20 at 12:39 AM
Luca Rosano
4 Min Read
Damian Lillard, Scottie Barnes
John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

The Damian Lillard trade rumors are heating up once again.

The Miami Heat haven’t been able to get a deal done with the Portland Trail Blazers for Lillard to this point.

However, there now might be a new suitor for Lillard ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season.

According to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, a “mystery Eastern Conference team” has emerged in the Damian Lillard sweepstakes:

A mystery eastern conference team has held trade talks centered around Damian Lillard, per @MarcJSpears

“I’m kind of hearing rumors about another Eastern Conference team that I’m not gonna throw out there just yet.” pic.twitter.com/tAmpFG5nw3

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 18, 2023

Lillard requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers in July and said that the Miami Heat were his preferred destination.

However, talks between the Heat and the Blazers surrounding the seven-time All-Star have hit a wall.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst spoke about the Lillard to Heat trade holdup on his podcast, The Hoop Collective saying “they [Blazers] want the Heat to literally scrounge into every nook and cranny and produce everything they possibly can. The Heat don’t feel the need to do that.”

In the mists of this ongoing Damian Lillard trade saga, could the Raptors be the ‘mystery team’ that emerges?

According to NBA writer Matt Moore of The Action Network, the Raptors have shown interest in Damian Lillard:

The Raptors have shown interest in Damian Lillard, per @HPbasketball

“That’s the thing nobody’s really saying, but everyone around the league kinda knows that the Raptors are amongst the teams.”

(Via Locked On NBA Podcast/ h/t @BasketballOnX ) pic.twitter.com/MajTx5hX4e

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 19, 2023

The Raptors made a gutsy, out of nowhere trade in 2018 when they acquired Kawhi Leonard on his expiring contract. Leonard wanted to play for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Raptors still took the gamble. The move paid off as the franchise won the 2019 NBA title. Masai Ujiri is no stranger to making a big move when least expected.

Will the Raptors trade for Lillard?

Outside of the Raptors 2024 first-round pick which they owe to the San Antonio Spurs (Top-6 protected), Toronto does control the rest of their future firsts.

However, the biggest question is would the Raptors be willing to part ways with Scottie Barnes to get a deal done? It’s hard to imagine the Blazers wanting anything less. Unless the Raptors get creative and send the Blazers a package that doesn’t include Scottie Barnes, then they shouldn’t get involved.

Barnes is a young talent and has too much upside to give up on at this point of his career for a player in Lillard who has his sights set on Miami.

This should be a pass from the Raptors.

Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0

You Might Also Like

Raptors News: Christian Koloko Is Out Indefinitely With Respiratory Issues

Raptors Media Day: Scottie Barnes Says His Mindset Is To Go Out There And Dominate

Raptors Media Day: O.G. Anunoby Says ‘I Love Toronto So I Want To Be Here’

Raptors Media Day: Pascal Siakam Weighs In On His Future In Toronto

Raptors Media Day: Masai Ujiri Says Team Hasn’t Talked About A Contract Extension With Pascal Siakam Yet

TAGGED: Damian Lillard, Toronto Raptors

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Luca Rosano September 20, 2023 September 19, 2023
By Luca Rosano
Luca Rosano is a proud graduate from the University of Guelph-Humber with a Bachelor of Applied Arts & Diploma in Journalism Print/Broadcast. Luca is a lifelong NBA and Toronto Raptors fan who has been independently creating content for years on YouTube and TikTok. He is currently the Lead Reporter and Editor for RaptorsNation.com. Outside of the NBA, Luca enjoys watching the NFL and WWE as well. Contact: luca@mediumlargela.com.
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Latest News

Raptors News: Christian Koloko Is Out Indefinitely With Respiratory Issues
News October 2, 2023
Scottie Barnes
Raptors Media Day: Scottie Barnes Says His Mindset Is To Go Out There And Dominate
News October 2, 2023
O.G. Anunoby
Raptors Media Day: O.G. Anunoby Says ‘I Love Toronto So I Want To Be Here’
News October 2, 2023
Pascal Siakam
Raptors Media Day: Pascal Siakam Weighs In On His Future In Toronto
News October 2, 2023

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

Follow Us
© 2023 Raptors Nation. All Rights Reserved.
Join Us!

Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc..

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?