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    You are here Home » NBA Rumors: 2 West Teams Linked to Blockbuster Damian Lillard Trade
    NBA News

    NBA Rumors: 2 West Teams Linked to Blockbuster Damian Lillard Trade

    Paolo SongcoBy Paolo SongcoAugust 9, 2023Updated:August 22, 2023No Comments4 Mins Read
    Apr 11, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket on Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) during the first half of the game at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports (NBA Rumors, NBA News)
    Apr 11, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket on Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) during the first half of the game at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports (NBA Rumors, NBA News)

    NBA rumors: By now, some of us (or most of us?) have grown tired of the Damian Lillard trade rumors to the Miami Heat. Despite the fact that the Heat and the Portland Trail Blazers are probably working hard behind the scenes to make a deal work, the reality is that all the momentum has now died down on what could easily be the biggest trade of the summer.

    At this point, it remains unclear who this extended lull will favor. However, it wouldn’t be a complete shock if a handful of other teams suddenly try and hijack this deal at the last minute. After all, this is Dame Lillard we’re talking about here.

    NBA Rumors: Jazz Accelerate Timeline Significantly With Damian Lillard Trade

    USATSI 20300257 168400517 lowres
    Mar 22, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) goes to the basket against Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) in the first half at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports (NBA Rumors)

    Andy Bailey and his colleagues at Bleacher Report have now conjured up a list of teams that could potentially risk it all by trading for Damian Lillard. No. 1 on the list is the Utah Jazz, who are coming off a surprise breakout season. After trading away Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert last summer, Lauri Markkanen shocked the NBA by emerging as one of the top big men in the league. As it turns out, all the 7-foot forward needed was the opportunity.

    Bailey points out that a pairing of Markkanen and Lillard would instantly elevate the Jazz as one of the top contenders in the West:

    “Pairing Lillard with him would instantly give Utah one of the most dynamic offensive duos in basketball. And if Walker Kessler remained to anchor the defense, the Jazz would have the makings of something special,” Bailey wrote.

    The caveat here — apart of course from the massive haul the Jazz will need to give up — is the fact that Lillard is already 33, and he does not fall within Utah’s current timeline. Then again, this would put the Jazz in a position to win now, thereby accelerating their timetable significantly.

    NBA Rumors: Timberwolves Go All-In on Damian Lillard

    USATSI 19614482 168400517 lowres scaled
    Dec 12, 2022; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) scores a basket during the first half against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports (NBA Rumors

    Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz believes that the Minnesota Timberwolves could be a possible landing spot for Lillard. He suggests that the Wolves pull the plug on Karl-Anthony Towns after last season proved that his partnership with Rudy Gobert just didn’t work out. The Blazers would not want KAT, so they will need to bring in a third team like the Atlanta Hawks to help facilitate the deal.

    According to Swartz, a backcourt pairing of Anthony Edwards and Damian Lillard would be a terrifying prospect for the rest of the NBA:

    “Everything Minnesota does moving forward should be about maximizing the roster around Edwards, even if that means trading Towns. With Conley set to turn 36 in October and with just one season remaining on his contract, bringing in Lillard as the long-term answer at point guard to pair with Edwards would create the most lethal backcourt in the NBA. Both are under contract for the next four-to-six seasons as well,” Swartz wrote.

    That’s actually not a bad idea. Gobert will still be in the mix as Minnesota’s defensive stalwart, and with Lillard and Edwards holding things down on offense, the Timberwolves instantly become a more well-rounded team, and perhaps, a legitimate threat to the title.

    For More Wisconsin Sports:

    Follow me on Twitter at @PaoloSongcoNBA, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” You can also reach out to Paolo Songco via email at pao.songco@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Was Damian Lillard traded to the Heat?

    No, Damian Lillard has not been traded to the Miami Heat or any other team. The Portland Trail Blazers have not made any trades involving Damian Lillard, despite his preference for the Heat as a potential destination.

    Why is Damian Lillard out of the game?

    Damian Lillard is out of the game due to a calf injury. Unfortunately, it has been reported that he will miss the remainder of the 2022-2023 season.

    Where does the Utah Jazz rank?

    The Utah Jazz ranks 12th in the latest Western Conference power rankings. This placement is a reflection of the team's performance and position amongst the other teams in the conference.

    Damian Lillard Miami Heat Minnesota TImberwolves NBA Rumors Utah Jazz
    Paolo Songco
    • X (Twitter)

    A father of two over-energetic boys, Paolo is the new kid on the block for Wisconsin Sports Heroics. His passion lies in all things NBA and he has a knack for speaking his mind in his articles -- even when at times it gets him into trouble with the fans. Controversial? Maybe. Excellent writer? Definitely.

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