The Portland Trail Blazers star point guard Damian Lillard might get traded to the Toronto Raptors against his own desire. The superstar has requested a trade from the Blazers to the Miami Heat on the first day of the NBA transfer window, but even after two months to that day, the trade is far from happening.
The Blazers expect a haul in return for their star, which includes two to three quality players along with at least four draft picks. The Heat can not afford that at the moment, and the Blazers rejected the offer they made. Now, the Heat are looking for a third team to get this trade done. Meanwhile, the Blazers are open to offers for their star, and the Raptors might be the one who actually signs the 33-year-old. Here is all the information you need about the trade between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Toronto Raptors involving Damian Lillard.
What would the Raptors offer for Damian Lillard?
The Raptors are expected to offer Scottie Barnes, Gradey Dick, Dennis Schroder, Chris Boucher, Thaddeus Young, and a 2028 first-round pick in exchange for the Weber State Wildcats product. The Blazers are getting the same amount of assets they need but in a different structure. They might reject this offer as well since it includes only one draft pick.
One of the weakest arguments against Damian Lillard’s trade request is that he signed a contract extension.
Let’s revisit that 2022 summer day in Las Vegas.
Lillard made it clear that he signed because Joe Cronin, Jody Allen and Chauncey Billups convinced him they were… pic.twitter.com/wx1PnhGkKr
— Aaron J. Fentress (@AaronJFentress) August 27, 2023
How did Damian Lillard perform last season?
The Blazers’ #0 played 58 games for the Blazers last season and averaged 32.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 37.1 percent from beyond the arc and 46.3 percent from the field. His stats are worth the price that the Blazers are asking for. Offering that huge package is not everyone’s cup of tea.
According to @BrettSiegelNBA at ClutchPoints, The Miami Heat have been in contact with the Portland Trail Blazers this offseason regarding a potential trade involving superstar point guard Damian Lillard.
“While a deal does not appear to be imminent, the Heat have been… pic.twitter.com/r8TxCgeqbm
— Miami Heatle 🔥🐬 (@HeatleMiami) August 22, 2023
Why would the Raptors like to sign Damian Lillard?
The Raptors lost Fred VanVleet this summer, but they do not want to rebuild, and that is why they want another star player to team up with Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby. They are giving up on a lot of assets, but Damian might be the game changer they need.
Will Damian get traded to the Raptors against his own desire? If not, when will the Damian Saga conclude? We’ll keep you updated.