Damian Lillard (Photo : Reuters)
The latest NBA trade rumor involves a player that was previously thought to be untouchable: Damian Lillard of the Portland Trailblazers.
The report came from Sam Amico of Amico Hoops. His claim: "The Trail Blazers are taking calls and willing listeners about standout point guard Damian Lillard, per Amico Hoops sources."
That's not a lot to draw on and it does not mean that the Blazers are outright shopping him, but there are teams that want to win and also need a franchise point guard.
Perhaps it's an idea worth exploring if it is indeed a real possibility. Which teams should pursue Damian Lillard?
It's not an entirely new concept. Bill Simmons, the self-declared "Picasso" of the trade machine has had his own take. In his column on The Ringer, he already threw out this trade idea.
"Damian Lillard (I like him 93.7 percent as much as I like McCollum, and they definitely need their own teams, so what about Dame to Minnesota for Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine and a top-four protected pick?)"
The Minnesota Timberwolves is a team that is unsettled at the point guard spot. While they declare that Kris Dunn is the point guard of the future, would they really pass up an opportunity at Damian Lillard?
Likewise, Lillard will finally join a team where he does not have to carry the offensive load. With stars like Andrew Wiggins and Karl Anthony-Towns, Lilllard will lead a "Big Three" with the Timberwolves. Think an early LA Clippers Big Three: Chris Paul was the eldest and was the catalyst for the team. But the Timberwolves have more balanced talent and a better bench.
The San Antonio Spurs is also a good destination for Lillard. It will reunite him with LaMarcus Aldridge (no known controversy here) and Dame takes over Tony Parker's spot for the future push of the Spurs centering on him and Kawhi Leonard.
Lillard would fit well with a swingman who plays good defense. Both Jimmy Butler and Paul George could qualify. The Chicago Bulls have a greater need for Lillard because of their volatile point guard situation, but Jeff Teague is a free agent at the end of the season. If he decides to bolt, the Pacers, who have declared that they want to trade for talent to help George out, could aggressively pursue Lillard.
These are all hypothetical projections based on the rumor that Lillard is available. Trading Lillard would hinge largely on whether the Blazers make the playoffs-something that cannot be decided right now.
