Has Lillard finally had enough in Portland? Will he ever let the Blazers off the hook and asked for a trade? If so, what then? Who comes knocking? Several teams are rebuilding, others can’t offer much (looking at you Miami). There are 3 teams pundits suggest are landing spots for Dame but only one makes sense for all parties. All three send 2023 1st round picks to Portland.

BKN: Lillard

POR: Clowney, Simmons, Whitehead, Suns 2025 & 2027 1sts, DAL 2029 1st

The Nets should not trade for Lillard. They just completed a strong draft snagging Clowney and Whitehead. Bridges is only 26, Claxton only 24. Their trade pantry is filled with picks and a few aging contracts giving them flexibility in the market. Accelerating their timeline with a Lillard trade would be a terrible move. However, if their owner is antsy and trade talks ensue, the Nets could make a good offer. If they don’t want to unload Simmons they could bundle some of their aging contracts instead (Dinwiddoe/Harris). Either way, they try to win now and Portland dances in the streets.

BOS: Lillard

POR: Brown, Nnaji, Horsford/or salary filler, 2026 1st

Here’s another trade only Portland should want. At 25 Brown is worth more than Dame’s shorter timeline. And, if Brown did push his way out of Boston, could they find a younger star in return? (Maxey, Towns, Siakam?) Lillard is win now and does create a more diverse big 3 for the Celtics. For Portland, the return is strong but not a great fit, they are guard heavy and very young. Finding a third team would be best. Maybe Brown to IND and Walker to POR? Could DAL jump into a trade like this?

BOS: Lillard

POR: Lively, Nnaji, Hardaway, DAL 2026 1st, BOS 2026 1st

DAL: Brown, Nurk

The Win-Win-Win Trade:

PHI: Lillard

POR: Lively, Prosper, Harris or Tucker, Hardaway, PHI 2024 1st & 2024 1st

DAL: Maxey, McDaniels or Harris, Little

The key to this trade is convincing Dallas that Maxey is their point guard of the future and McDaniels or Harris can bring the rebounding they need. They could choose Nurkic and/or Simons over Little if they like and maybe demand the Philly pick. (Or leave Philly out and trade for Lillard?) The 76ers pair Embiid with Lillard. Portland gets 1st round youth & picks. Everyone dances in the streets.