Damian Lillard has requested a trade from the Portland Trails Blazers after 11 seasons with the team.
Lillard has achieved numerous individual awards in his career but has yet to win an NBA title, or even make the Finals.
And he has finally came to the conclusion that he needs a change of scenery in order to fulfil those ambitions.
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The Miami Heat are at the top of his wishlist, but their most valuable asset (Tyler Herro) is not a great fit for Portland, who already have guards Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe on their roster.
So, many think that the Blazers face the dilemma of trading Lillard to his desired destination for less than ideal returns, or, disregarding his loyalty by trading him somewhere else for a better package.
Well, that is not the case, as the following trade is a win-win situation for both Lillard and the Blazers.
Damian Lillard Trade
Portland Trail Blazers: Jalen Suggs, Bol Bol, Gary Harris, Duncan Robinson, 2025 first round pick (Orlando via Denver), 2028 first round pick (Miami), 2030 first round pick (Miami)
Miami Heat: Damian Lillard
Orlando Magic: Tyler Herro
Portland Trail Blazers
In this trade, the Blazers receive two interesting young players (Suggs and Bol) on team-friendly contracts, who, unlike Herro, would not demand starting spots in the rotation.
In addition, Harris’ expiring deal could be be a valuable trade asset with teams looking to dump salary because of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Not to mention, three first round picks would set them up for an exciting future, with multiple chances at hitting a home run in the draft. Robinson is included to match up the salaries.
Miami Heat
For Miami, this trade is really simple – it would raise the team’s ceiling by adding an All-NBA calibre point guard who averaged over 32 points per game last season.
A big three of Lillard, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo would instantly become favourites to win the Eastern Conference, and maybe the title.
Orlando Magic
Orlando have a franchise player, in Paolo Banchero, who they hope will lead them to glory in years to come.
But, as the Blazers have just found out with Lillard, you must provide superstars with quality supporting casts in order to keep them happy.
Herro, as well as Franz Wagner, would do just that, with the likes of Markelle Fultz, Wendell Carter Jr and newly-drafted Anthony Black adding strength in depth.
The Magic’s future looks bright as it is, but the addition of Herro would cement them as the team with the best young core in the NBA.
