ESPN Host Suggests Sixers Should Attempt to Land Damian Lillard

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith believes the Sixers should look to replace James Harden with Damian Lillard.

The Philadelphia 76ers’ run in the 2023 NBA Playoffs begins on Saturday, but some are already looking ahead to the critical phase of the year, the offseason. Depending on how the Sixers’ upcoming playoff run goes, a lot of changes could take place.

One player that will have all eyes on them this offseason is the ten-time All-Star guard James Harden. As Harden has a player option on his contract for next season after re-signing with the Sixers last summer, many assume that the star guard will decline the second year.

Lately, there’s been a lot of smoke surrounding Harden and a potential return to the Houston Rockets. As we’ve found out with many NBA stars in the past, including Harden, anything is possible, and nothing should be ruled out.

In the event that Harden does decide to take his talents to Houston or elsewhere beyond the 2023 playoff run, ESPN's First Take host Stephen A. Smith suggests the Sixers should re-visit the idea of attempting to land Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard.

“James Harden is playing outstanding. James Harden is a future Hall of Famer. I got a lot of love and respect for James Harden. I would take Damian Lillard over James Harden in a heartbeat. I wouldn’t think twice. If I was Philly and I could get my hands on Damian Lillard and I had to forfeit James Harden. I’m not talking about trading him. I’m just saying if James Harden walked out the door, so be it because that’s how much I—no shade on James Harden. That’s what I think about Damian Lillard.”

Last season, there was plenty of speculation surrounding Lillard in Portland, as many assumed he would request a trade. Considering the Sixers employed a disgruntled Ben Simmons, Lillard was on a shortlist of prospects the Sixers would move Simmons for.

Lillard’s loyalty to Portland never wavered during that time. Eventually, the Sixers cut the cord with Simmons to land James Harden from the Brooklyn Nets. Lillard remained on board with the Blazers through the 2022-2023 NBA season.

After another disappointing run for the Blazers, Lillard’s tone is changing a bit. Once again, his frustration with missing the playoffs has caused conversation amongst outsiders regarding a potential trade in the future. Stephen A. Smith believes the Sixers should re-visit a potential Lillard trade. 

Of course, that’s much easier said than done, considering Lillard has several years attached to his current contract. 

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.