As Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes reported, Damian Lillard has officially requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard’s future with Portland has been a topic of discussion since the team failed to make the postseason. In recent weeks, Lillard has been clear about his desire to contend for a championship.
Lillard’s contract will likely make it difficult to find willing trade partners. The 32-year-old is set to earn $45.6 million in the coming season, $48.7 million in 2024-25, $58.5 million in 2025-26 and $63.2 million in 2026-27.
Given Lillard’s age, there is a legitimate chance his skills begin to decline before he becomes a free agent at the age of 37. Any team trading for Lillard will need to ensure it can offer the chance to compete for a championship in spite of absorbing such a lofty cap hit. It’s also unclear what type of offer the Trail Blazers will be willing to entertain in any discussions surrounding their All-Star guard.
During his 58 regular-season games this past season, Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists, shooting 46.3% from the field and 37.1% from three. With such high-level production, it’s safe to assume Lillard’s lofty contract won’t be a stumbling block for teams on the fringes of contention.
Lillard will now become the most sought-after player in the NBA. Teams such as the Miami Heat and New York Knicks will likely find themselves rumored to be in play for Lillard. Both teams have the young players to make an enticing offer to the Trail Blazers.
The most logical route for Portland is to enter a rebuild. The Western Conference franchise recently selected Scoot Henderson with the third overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and has young shooting guard Anfernee Simons on the roster, too.
Trading Lillard will ensure the Trail Blazers can begin stocking up on draft assets and young players. Portland entering a rebuild has been on the cards for multiple years, and now, it’s finally becoming a reality. However, the Trail Blazers inked Jerami Grant to a five-year, $160 million deal on June 30. Now, the franchise will have another big decision to make. As Grant will likely be unwilling to remain on a rebuilding roster for his prime years.
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