The Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard is likely to get traded to the Orlando Magic this summer. The star guard had requested a trade to the Miami Heat on the first day of the NBA trade window, but his desire is yet to be fulfilled.
The Blazers are ready to part ways with Lillard only if they get enough return value, but the offer made by the Heat does not satisfy them. So, despite the reluctance of Lillard about joining another team, the Blazers are looking for better offers. The Magic have shown interest in signing the 33-year-old. Here is all the information you need about the trade between the Orlando Magic and the Portland Trail Blazers involving Damian Lillard.
What would the Magic offer for Damian Lillard?
The Magic are expected to offer Jonathan Isaac, Wendell Carter, and Makelle Fultz and one first-round pick each from the years 2024 and 2025 in exchange for Damian Lillard. This is a lucrative offer for the Blazers. They are getting three quality players and two draft picks in exchange for a player who does not want to play for them anymore. But this is a huge risk for the Magic as they are signing an unhappy player. Would they be able to make things work out?
The willingness of the league office to stick its nose in the Lillard situation, though, has raised a specter among NBA observers: The NBA, seeking to harness stars forcing trades to specific teams, could void a Damian Lillard trade to Miami, given the way the situation has… pic.twitter.com/NZPva18AGH
— Vice City Alerts (@ViceCityAlerts) August 2, 2023
How did Damian Lillard perform last season?
While playing 58 games for the Blazers last season, Damian averaged 32.2 points, 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game. He has been the most vital player for the Blazers, and the only reason they are parting ways is because Lillard wants to leave. This is the last year of his $121.8M contract, and he can leave for free next season.
Heat’s potential trade offer for Damian Lillard:
3-4 first round picks
Pick swaps
2nd round picks
Tyler Herro
Expiring contracts
Young players(Via @ShamsCharania ) pic.twitter.com/faqBSRkeMe
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 31, 2023
What is the Blazers’ situation with Damian Lillard?
Damian and his agent have made it clear that he only wants a move to the Heat and if he is traded anywhere else, the player might not show up for training. The Blazers are inclined toward getting a good return for their star. Will the two parties get what they want?
It has been more than 5 weeks since Damian requested his trade. Will it happen anytime soon? We’ll keep you updated.
