Damian Lillard might need to enroll in the Miami Heat, however any other staff has reputedly jumped to the entrance of the road in trade negotiations with the Portland Trail Blazers in fresh days. The Toronto Raptors have satisfied the league that they’re serious of their pursuit of Lillard, in line with Marc Stein, and ESPN’s Marc Spears known as the Raptors the “hottest name” he is listening to at the Lillard entrance presently, including {that a} deal is anticipated to return prior to Portland’s media day on Oct. 2 and that Lillard, regardless of his want to play for the Heat, would display up and play for the Raptors.Â
Lillard first of all asked a trade in July, and agent Aaron Goodwin made it transparent that “he wants to play in Miami” in an interview with the Miami Herald’s Aaron Goodwin. The Raptors, on the other hand, have a historical past of buying and selling for superstars with their middle set on on any other vacation spot. Toronto landed Kawhi Leonard within the 2018 offseason regardless of his lengthy reported plan to land in Los Angeles. Leonard in the long run did sign up for the Clippers within the 2019 offseason, however no longer with out profitable a championship in Toronto first.
Lillard’s instances are very other than Leonard’s have been. Leonard used to be on an expiring contract. Lillard has 3 assured seasons left on his deal, giving Toronto a little extra time to place a winner round him. Of route, Lillard is 33 years outdated. Leonard used to be nonetheless simplest 27 when the Raptors received him. Lillard’s age would put vital force at the Raptors to place a winner round him temporarily.
It isn’t transparent what precisely Toronto would surrender in a deal for Lillard, although there are two most likely centerpieces. Scottie Barnes would most likely be Portland’s most well-liked selection. The 2022 Rookie of the Year would give the Trail Blazers a long-term ahead to pair with younger guards Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Of route, the Raptors have been reportedly unwilling to switch Barnes for Kevin Durant closing offseason, so that they will not be prepared to present him up for Lillard. Even in the event that they have been, his rookie-scale contract will require such a lot more money to compare salaries on Lillard {that a} deal may get difficult.
The different choice is OG Anunoby, a extra confirmed ahead this is reportedly taking a look for extra alternatives as a ball-handler. Portland may theoretically supply him the ones probabilities, and his protection and taking pictures would pair neatly with Henderson and Sharpe. Anunoby is on an expiring contract, so Portland must really feel assured in its skill to re-sign him, however wings of his caliber are infrequently to be had in trades.
No deal is forthcoming, however Blazers media day is across the nook. If Portland in reality needs to transport Lillard prior to coaching camp starts, the time to make a deal is now. Toronto could also be within the lead for now, however there may be nonetheless time for any other staff to leap into the fray and land the famous person point guard.