The Portland Trailblazer bring Los Angeles Clippers Assistant coach Chauncey Billups replaces Terry Stotts, but it can cost her franchisee.
Chris Haynes from Yahoo! Sports reports point guard Damian Lillard may be on his way out after the Trail Blazers hadn’t included him in the search for a trainer. Lillard’s contract makes him difficult to trade, but there will be a market for the superstar if he wants to get out. And a recent tweet could signal the end of his time in the rose city.
“Sometimes it’s not people who change. It is the mask that falls off “
– Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) June 27, 2021
Lillard averaged 34.3 points and 10.2 assists in six playoff games that season, while averaging a career playoff high of 41.3 minutes per competition. He didn’t get much help from CJ McCollum, Carmelo Anthony, Jusuf Nurkic, and other major RPG players when the Blazers were exhausted Denver nuggets Team. That was Portland’s fourth exit in the first round in five seasons and the fifth time in Lillard’s eight seasons with the team he couldn’t see in the second round.
According to Haynes, the Trail Blazers didn’t get Lillard’s approval when they decided to bring in Billups and didn’t interview his proposed candidates. Lillard reportedly stumbled upon Jason Kidd, who eventually went to the. went Dallas Mavericks. He also spoke out publicly for David Vanterpool, a Trail Blazers assistant for much of Lillard’s career.
In case Lillard decides to move on with a trade request, here are five potential landing spots for the Star Guard.
The Heat are always on the lookout for top talent and Lillard is the one for you. He would likely applaud “Heat Culture” and the annual pursuit of championships at all costs. Miami doesn’t have much to trade when it comes to draft picks, but can send Tyler Herro and Precious Achiuwa to Portland on any deal. The Heat has to deal with restricted free agents Duncan Robinson and Kendrick Nunn, but could add Lillard to their existing cap space before making any suitable offers. Miami also needs to see what Goran Dragic and Andre Iguodala do with their respective team options.
That doesn’t go well with Lillard, who doesn’t want to embark on another questionable rebuilding process. However, the Magic has the funds to close a deal that Portland is okay with. That includes two lottery tips for 2021 and plenty of options for salary fillers. Lillard doesn’t have a no-trade clause so he doesn’t have much of a choice when it comes to his destination when he wants to leave. Orlando would get a superstar security guard to help level a roster laden with front-court players.
The Warriors also have two lottery picks in 2021 and will almost certainly be looking to add instant talent with Stephen Curry. Klay Thompson and Draymond Green step into the backend of their prime numbers. Lillard would certainly increase Golden State’s chances of winning another title, and he can return to his hometown (somehow) on that deal. The Warriors have Andrew Wiggins to meet the salaries but would definitely have to give up James Wiseman on the deal as well.
The Knicks have draft picks to give away and are looking for a superstar. After making the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons, the Knicks don’t want to lose that momentum. Lillard would be a box office star in New York with enough space to accept his current deal. The Knicks could also add another star in the freelance agency to accompany a developing young core. Even if they had to part with some players to get Lillard on board, the Knicks would make that deal.
The Lakers are always mentioned when it comes to superstars trying to get small market teams into trouble. Lillard would be a good match for LeBron James and Anthony Davis in Los Angeles, but the Lakers will have to re-develop to break the salary cap. You cannot include your first round selection this year and must make your selection on the. to transfer New Orleans Pelicans as part of the Davis trade. Los Angeles is a nice travel destination on paper, but it doesn’t have much traction in terms of logistics.
