Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard wants to play for a new team. After 11 seasons in Portland, Lillard officially requested a trade from the organization. The All-NBA guard prefers to play for the Miami Heat. If Lillard didn’t end up in Miami, where would he be? Below, we explore the prospects for Damian Lillard’s next team, if not Portland or Miami.
Damian Lillard wants to play for the Miami Heat
Damian Lillard’s agent is looking to sit down and meet the Miami Heat
I had a positive conversation with Joe (Cronin) and made it clear that Damien wanted them to sit down and negotiate meaningfully with Miami. And I think that’s something Joe said and… pic.twitter.com/7UukzDJPYd
– NBACentral (TheNBACentral) July 6, 2023
After years of telling the media he wanted to stay in Portland, Lillard finally did Ordered a deal from the Trail Blazers on July 1.
Lillard is one of the best players to ever wear a Blazers uniform. In 11 seasons, Lillard has made seven All-Star Games, one All-NBA First Team, four All-NBA Second Teams, and two All-NBA Third Teams. Lillard was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
After failing to win more than 33 games in the past two seasons, the Blazers are heading for a rebuild, led by the third overall pick in this year’s draft, Scoot Henderson. Lillard has expressed his desire to play around with veterans and compete for the championship. However, the Blazers would not have a championship roster in the coming years, which led to the request for a trade.
Lillard hopes to end up with the Miami Heat, his first destination. However, the Blazers said they are looking for the best offer, which may not come from Miami.
Damian Lillard, next team prospect, if not Portland or Miami
new from @employee: The Celtics have no intention of entering the Damian Lillard lottery, according to league sources. https://t.co/UAG22HkelG
– Boston Globe Sports (@BGlobeSports) July 6, 2023
If Lillard doesn’t end up in Portland or Miami, which team will he be playing this season?
BetOnline odds makers have the Brooklyn Nets (+150) as the favorite to land on Lillard if it’s not Portland or Miami. Brooklyn has two things Portland wants: young players and draft capital. Networks can center a package around Michal Bridges and choose. However, Lillard would prefer to play Bridges, which could complicate the trade.
The Boston Celtics (+250) have the best player to trade to the Blazers in Jaylen Brown, who finished All-NBA Second Team this past season. Boston hasn’t signed Brown to a cap extension yet, leading many to believe they’re kicking the tires on the Lillard deal. However, The Boston Globe reported that the team had no intention of trading for Lillard.
That leaves the New York Knicks (+400), Philadelphia 76ers (+600) and Toronto Raptors (+700) outside looking in.
View the full list of odds via BetOnline.