Former UCLA Star Preferred in Blockbuster Potential Damian Lillard Trade

Portland could have another young star!

In the most recent news from the Damian Lillard trade saga, Portland reported that they prefer one young asset from Miami over another. 

According to a tweet from TheDunkCentral, a report from Greg Sylvander states that the Blazer prefer the services of former Bruin Jaime Jaquez Jr. over those of Serbian prospect Nikola Jovic. 

The Portland Trailblazers reportedly prefers Jaime Jaquez Jr. over Nikola Jovic in a potential Damian Lillard trade, per @GregSylvander

“Small update: A league source tells me that AS OF NOW: the perception is, Portland prefers Jaime Jaquez over Nikola Jovic to be involved in… pic.twitter.com/AgitpYR4dq

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 1, 2023

This latest development indicates that Portland prefers the talent of the All-Conference and All-Defensive forward from UCLA after another stellar season where he was named a second-team All American. 

Jaquez first burst onto the national scene with the Bruins in their improbable Final Four run in the 2021 season. After coming into the tournament as an 11 seed, UCLA went from the First Four to the national semifinals. 

Beating Michigan State, BYU, Abeline Christian, Alabama and Michigan the Bruins fell just short of a national championship appearance thanks to Jalen Suggs' heroics at the buzzer for the Gonzaga Bulldogs. 

After two more tournament runs that failed to reach the Final Four again, Jaquez Jr. went into the NBA draft this past summer and was selected by the Heat with the no. 18 overall pick. Some think he might be the last piece to finally set the Damian Lillard deal into motion.

The Irvine born prospect is now eligible to be traded as of August 1st due to rookie contracts now open to be dealt by teams. 

No matter where he suits up whether it's Miami or Portland, the team that acquires Jaquez Jr.'s services will get a strong post player with many crafty mid range moves in his arsenal. 

Strong defense and a tough attitude have always been a calling card for the forward and such was evident from this past college season being his best. 

Such traits would be perfect for the Miami Heat's touted culture, but Portland has their eye on the forward in what could start a new era for Blazer basketball.