The Golden State Warriors are expected to make some key trades this offseason in their bid to get back to title contention. Interestingly, one name that has surprising popped up as a possible target is Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard.
Lillard is reportedly unhappy in Portland, raising fears he could force his way out of Rip City. Although Blazers GM Neil Olshey has refuted it, if they do end up having to trade Dame away, a former Western Conference executive and a player agent said the Warriors make the most sense to make a deal with for both parties.
The Blazers can get the most value from Lillard with a trade with the Warriors, who could offer a package including James Wiseman plus the No. 7 and 14 picks in the 2021 NBA Draft. As for the Warriors, they would retain their depth and remain a contender with a core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Lillard.
Of course, Lillard's fit is questionable given that the Warriors already have a strong backcourt. Dame is also different from Kevin Durant, who can thrive even without the ball.
“The Warriors are the only team that can make a trade and still contend, although the fit is questionable,” said the agent interviewed by Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report.
“The Warriors would have to do that. They'd be unstoppable,” the former executive added.
Of course, it is important to note these are all just trade speculations and no trade talks between the Warriors and Blazers have been reported. However, it will certainly be interesting to see if the Dubs will make that call.
The Blazers have the leverage in any Damian Lillard trade given the superstar guard is under contract until the 2024-25 season. But as what we all have learned in the past (*cough* James Harden *cough*), everything is possible in the NBA.
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