The Damian Lillard saga continues.
The Damian Lillard trade rumors have been ramping up all week and now some new teams have emerged as a potential destination for the seven-time All-Star.
According to Jake Fischer, the Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls are two possible destinations for Lillard:
“At this juncture, Toronto and Chicago have been the two possible destinations for Lillard discussed most by league figures. While a collection of NBA personnel expect Portland to engage Miami before finalizing something with another suitor, the Heat have not factored primarily in the Blazers’ recent dialogue surrounding Lillard, league sources said.”
This is significant because the Miami Heat seemed like the only destination for Lillard, but the Portland Trail Blazers and Heat haven’t had recent dialogue. This could all be smoke and mirrors or a chance for a team like the Raptors to sweep into the sweepstakes.
For Toronto, Fischer mentions that the Raptors have no intentions of trading Scottie Barnes:
“Toronto has made clear to all inquiring parties that Barnes stands as the Raptors’ franchise focal point, sources said. Any deal with Toronto could include recent first-round selection Gradey Dick.”
Fischer says it’s unlikely that Pascal Siakam would fit in a package for Portland because he’s due for a pricey extension that would be a curious commitment for the Blazers. In theory, the Raptors could create a package around OG Anunoby, but Fischer says that Anunoby brings his own share of financial considerations as well.
Fischer outlines that the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz have emerged as teams that could be included in larger deals to help facilitate a Lillard trade from the Blazers.
As the Damian Lillard rumors continue, a deal could be coming soon.
Lillard to the Raptors?
The Raptors are no strangers when it comes to being involved in trade rumors for a superstar. Last summer they were in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes and now the Raptors seem to be in the Damian Lillard sweepstakes.
If the Raptors do strike a deal for Lillard it wouldn’t include Siakam or Barnes. Therefore, the Raptors would have to create an enticing package around OG Anunoby.
The problem is Lillard wants to be in Miami. According to Barry Jackson, he would request a trade if traded to another team.
The Raptors depleting their roster of assets and future picks for a disgruntled superstar doesn’t seem like a good idea.
The risk outweighs the reward in this situation.
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