Is There a Chance for Damian Lillard to Stay in Portland?
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
When trade talks began, Damian Lillard only wanted to be traded to one team, the Miami Heat. However, since Miami traded all of the valuable pieces in their starting lineup, like Max Strus, and Gabe Vincent, there’s no real package Miami can put together to get Portland to agree to a trade. The rumor mill has stated previously (because we haven’t had a real update in months) that a trade between Miami and Portland would look like this:
Miami would receive: Damian Lillard
Portland would receive: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, and 3 first round draft picks.
Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Portland has already flat out rejected this deal, and I can see why. If you’re giving up Lillard in any scenario, more picks is necessary. I’d say add at least two more picks to the deal to convinve Portland. We have also heard about a possible three team trade where a third team would pick up Tyler Herro. Portland is already stacked with guards, they really do not need Herro, but also their core is younger. Portland has been stuck in this limbo state for what seems to be five years, and haven’t really made a prominent playoff push in a long time. They are really not in a position to keep Lillard and develop young talent.
Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
But I have to ask if it’s a good idea. Yes, I think Lillard should stay in Portland. I think Lillard should embrace their young talent and form a positive upward trajectory. Scoot Henderson, the second pick in this year's draft is arguably the most NBA-ready prospect. If anyone would have an immediate impact on a team, it’s him. I can see Henderson easily being the best two-guard to ever play besides Lillard, yes even better than CJ McCollum. I think Lillard should explore the option of staying in Portland, he may be pleasantly surprised with how Portland does with the combination of him and Henderson. It would be really interesting to see that play out, and I hope it does when we get closer to the regular season.
