NBA Insider Doubts Chances of Damian Lillard Trade to 76ers

Could the 76ers get involved in a Damian Lillard sweepstakes?

The star point guard market could have a couple of surprising prospects as the NBA offseason plays out this summer. If James Harden declines his player option with the Philadelphia 76ers as he’s expected to, he’ll join Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving on the unrestricted free agency line.

Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns could get rid of their All-Star veteran Chris Paul, as waiving the playmaker was an option that’s been thrown out there last week.

Then, there’s Damian Lillard once again. As the Portland Trail Blazers continue to struggle to build a legitimate championship contender around the All-Star guard, Lillard’s future in Portland once again has come into question.

And according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, there could be a “serious conversation” between Lillard and Portland about “potentially parting ways” if the Blazers’ offseason moves don’t suit Lillard, who wants to compete for a title.

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

“He wants to win now; he wants to compete for a title,” Haynes said on The Dan Patrick Show last week. I don’t think he believes that taking that pick and keeping it is going to do them any service in the now.”

Currently, the Trail Blazers possess the third-overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. With the San Antonio Spurs expected to make the obvious selection of Victor Wembanyama, all eyes are on the Charlotte Hornets, who could take either Brandon Miller or Scoot Henderson.

In the event Charlotte snags Miller, the Blazers could end up with Henderson, which is a scenario that’s been hyped over the last few weeks as the former G League Ignite star worked out for Portland recently. 

However, it seems Lillard expects the pick to be utilized in a deal to make a win-now move.

“I think what the Portland Trailblazers decide to do with that pick will dictate… If I’m Dame Lillard, based off of what he said, if they keep that pick, whether it’s Scoot [Henderson] or anybody else if they keep that pick, I think a serious conversation will be had about potentially parting ways,” Haynes stated.

Before the Sixers landed James Harden in 2021, the Sixers were consistently linked to Lillard as they searched for ways to put a stop to the Ben Simmons saga. At the time, Lillard expressed his loyalty toward the Blazers and vowed to remain in Portland. Eventually, the Sixers shifted their focus over to Harden, who was growing disgruntled in Brooklyn.

The Sixers-Harden pairing isn’t over just yet. While Harden is expected to decline his option, the star guard has been described as “torn” between returning to the Sixers or heading back to Texas to reunite with the Houston Rockets. 

But with the Sixers facing uncertainty regarding Harden and with Portland potentially being placed in a situation where they have to start taking calls regarding Lillard’s availability, Haynes tossed the Sixers’ name in a list of a few teams that could get involved in the potential sweepstakes.

“He mentioned it on air,” Haynes continued. ... “Nets, Miami, and possibly — I don’t think, I don't know Philly — but they don’t have what it takes, so I’ll leave it at the Nets and Miami.”

By the sounds of it, the Sixers seem like a long shot to be Lillard suitors if he is available, but they shouldn’t necessarily be counted out.

If the Sixers lose out on Harden, they won’t have a ton of space to make another splashy signing to replace him. Therefore, getting involved in the trade market would be one of their limited options to pair another playmaker alongside Joel Embiid.

Depending on what happens over the next month or so, teams will likely have their eyes on Lillard, as Portland’s roster construction could force him out.