NBA Insider Notes Sixers’ Damian Lillard Interest

The Sixers were not Damian Lillard's mystery suitor, but a report indicates they have shown interest in the star guard.

When Marc Spears of ESPN noted there was a mystery suitor in the Damian Lillard sweepstakes, he wouldn’t peel the curtain back far enough to reveal which Eastern Conference team was preparing to make an offer for the seven-time All-Star.

We knew the Philadelphia 76ers had a slight interest in Lillard back in July when he initially requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, but an expected request of Tyrese Maxey caused the Sixers to quietly exit the market.

Is Philadelphia back in it as the Lillard saga heats up ahead of training camp? Spears reports the Sixers are among several teams who have shown interest. 

However, it’s unclear when conversations between the Sixers and the Blazers were had.

The Latest Speculation 

“Two NBA executives said that they expect Lillard to be traded before media day, which is Oct. 2 for most teams, including the Blazers, Heat and Raptors. Practices begin the next day. 

Along with Toronto and Miami, the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls have shown interest since Lillard's initial trade request. Regardless of whether Lillard is traded or still in Portland come media day, a source said he is not expected to be a media day or training camp holdout.”

What to Make of it

It turns out, the Sixers, unsurprisingly were not Spears’ mystery suitor. The Toronto Raptors have been working on a pursuit of the seven-time All-Star all along, and are emerging as the favorites to land the star point guard.

If you take stock in betting odds, the Sixers currently have the second-best odds to land Lillard behind the Raptors if he’s not on the Blazers or the Heat before training camp, per BetOnline.

But understand that there is likely a steep drop beyond the Raptors and the Heat at this point in the offseason. While the Sixers have shown interest in Lillard even before his trade request, the team has shown plenty of resistance towards the idea of trading away Tyrese Maxey.

The Lillard situation will remain relevant to the Sixers regardless of whether they are in the market for him or not. With the way the saga is trending, it seems the Blazers’ star could be a direct rival of Philadelphia’s in days to come. Whether he’ll be a member of the Raptors or the Heat is the biggest question as of now.