The Toronto Raptors have serious interest in Damian Lillard and are the frontrunners to land him.
The Raptors trading for Damian Lillard would be significant for the franchise as it would signal that they’re trying to win now and compete for a championship.
While the idea of Lillard in Toronto sounds sweet to many people, Stephen A. Smith is not a fan.
Stephen A. Smith appeared on First Take with Shannon Sharpe and was asked about Lillard’s fit in Toronto:
Stephen A Smith doesn’t want to hear any Dame to Toronto talks 😅
“He wants to be in a position where he can compete for a championship. If Toronto is an option, why not stay the hell in Portland. It’s a waste of time to even think of going to the Toronto Raptors”
(Via… pic.twitter.com/jCbhA1pF2C
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BasketballOnX) September 26, 2023
This response from Stephen A. Smith caused an outroar amongst Raptors fans and rightfully so. Stephen A. Smith misses the mark with his comments. If Damian Lillard stays in Portland, he would likely not even be in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Meanwhile, if Lillard gets traded to the Raptors they would have a great chance of getting to the Eastern Conference Finals. Stephen A. Smith fails to realize that Toronto would be a good situation for Lillard to win now.
Whether Stephen A. Smith likes it or not, the Raptors are in the mix to acquire Lillard. The Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers don’t seem close to getting a deal done. Therefore, the Raptors could sneak in and strike a big blockbuster trade before the start of the season.
Will the Raptors trade for Lillard?
The Raptors trade package would likely center around OG Anunoby since Scottie Barnes is a non starter in trade conversations for Lillard.
If the Raptors can create a compelling package around OG Anunoby, the Blazers might go for it.
Stephen A. Smith definitely won’t be a fan of Lillard going north of the border.
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