Author: Monojit Mandal
Damian Lillard has caused a stir in the NBA with his statements insinuating that if he ever decides to ask for a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, he might consider joining the Brooklyn Nets or the Miami Heat. Although many expect Lillard to remain in Portland, his comment left room for conjecture.
Now another team has entered the discussion. With the possible departure of Chris Paul from the Phoenix Suns, the Suns are looking for a first-rate replacement for their point guard position. Could Damian Lillard be the solution to their problems?
A hypothetical trade with Lillard could include Suns forward Deandre Ayton, according to Jake Fischer, Yahoo Sports’ NBA source. The Blazers have already expressed interest in Ayton, and it is possible that they have continued to study the 24-year-old forward’s progress.
However, there is still a major impediment to any possible transaction. According to Fischer, the Suns have few assets to give to the Blazers, which makes a deal for the seven-time All-Star implausible. However, in the volatile business world of the NBA, shocks are inevitable.
What is clear is that the Portland Trail Blazers and the Phoenix Suns will have an exciting few months ahead of them. At this point, no one knows if they will reach an agreement.
Lillard’s basketball career began in college, where he was a member of the Weber State Wildcats and twice won the Big Sky Conference Player of the Year award. The Trail Blazers selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft.
Lillard was named to the NBA All-Star team three times and the All-NBA Third Team three times during his career. He holds the Trail Blazers’ all-time scoring and assist records. Lillard is known for his ability to produce in big moments, having made several game-winning baskets over the years.
Damian Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers’ sixth overall pick in the 2012 NBA lottery, made an impressive debut against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 31. Lillard’s performance was remarkable, with 23 points and 11 assists, putting him in the company of NBA greats Oscar Robertson and Allen Iverson.