Getty Image / James Gilbert
Trade rumors continue to run rampant after Damian Lillard named two teams he’d be open to be traded to.
However, his fate is not sealed just yet. There’s a chance the Portland Trail Blazers opt to keep him and make a deal for another superstar.
Considering Portland has the No. 3 pick overall of the NBA Draft, the front office has plenty of options on the table.
With that said though, it sounds like whatever the team chooses to do with that draft pick will impact Damian Lillard’s future.
During a guest appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Chris B. Haynes revealed some information about Lillard and the Trail Blazers.
The superstar point guard isn’t getting any younger and wants to compete for a championship. For that reason, Haynes reports that if the Trail Blazers opt to use the No. 3 pick on a rookie, then Damian Lillard will request a trade.
If they choose to trade the pick for a star veteran, then Lillard will reportedly stay.
Here’s the clip where Haynes fully discusses the situation. He also talks about other trade rumors involving Damian Lillard.
Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) tells under what circumstances Dame would want to be traded from the #Blazers, which teams he'd ok a trade to, and which team specifically he wouldn't pic.twitter.com/jlx8N14oOT
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) June 8, 2023
So, there you have it. Trade Damian Lillard or trade the pick. Either way, all signs point towards the Trail Blazers making a big move, or two, this offseason.
This is very clearly a pivotal offseason for this organization. They can either try and get back into title contention by acquiring another star talent to pair with Lillard.
Or, the front office could opt to acquire as many talented prospects as possible and enter a full rebuild.
We’re not too far away from the NBA Draft, as it kicks off on June 22.
This is an extremely difficult decision to make, so expect the Trail Blazers to take their time. But the team’s plans will be revealed come draft night.