In the wake of Damian Lillard requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, one NBA writer is proposing that the Golden State Warriors acquire the seven-time All-Star.
Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World proposed that the Warriors trade Chris Paul, Andrew Wiggins and a first-round pick in 2027 to the Blazers for Lillard.
“For the Warriors, acquiring Lillard would solidify their position as one of the top contenders in the Western Conference,” Bitar wrote. “Lillard’s elite scoring ability would be a perfect fit alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, forming a dynamic trio that could wreak havoc on opposing defenses. Lillard’s clutch performances and playoff experience would be invaluable for the Warriors in their quest for their 5th NBA championship. Additionally, his presence would ease the playmaking burden on Curry to take on a reduced role while Draymond Green has another passing option.”
Lillard was interested in getting traded to the Warriors before the Dubs acquired Paul from the Washington Wizards, according to NBA insider Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. The Warriors traded Jordan Poole to the Wizards for Paul before Lillard’s trade request became public.
Lillard was born and raised in Oakland, California. He’s friends with Warriors stars Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. It would be absurd to see Lillard play in Golden State next to Curry, Thompson and Green, as the Dubs would be nearly unstoppable on offense.
Lillard wants the Blazers to trade him to the Miami Heat. However, since he doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, Portland can trade Lillard anywhere. The Blazers used Summer League in Las Vegas to get a fuller sense of the trade market for Lillard, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. Portland general manager Joe Cronin told reporters in Vegas that he’s willing to wait months to trade Lillard.
The Blazers have not been impressed with the Heat’s offers for Lillard, who has career NBA averages of 25.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists. Portland is seeking four first-round picks and two quality players in return for Lillard.
Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists last season for the Blazers. He will make $46.6 million next season. The future Hall of Famer signed a two-year, $121.8 million extension with Portland in July 2022.