Damian Lillard Prefers Trade to Two Conference Rivals over Boston Celtics

Is Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard a duo more likely to win a championship than the former and Jaylen Brown?

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Damian Lillard is the subject of trade rumors involving the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and Brooklyn Nets. On Showtime’s The Last Stand, Brian Custer asked the 7-time All-Star which would be his ideal trade destination.

"Miami, obviously. ... Bam is my dawg. ... Brooklyn is another obvious one, because Mikal Bridges is my dawg, too."

-Damian Lillard on preferred hypothetical trade destination out of Miami, Boston, New York and Brooklyn

(via @shobasketball, Last Stand Podcast) pic.twitter.com/R74ct7CY2i

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 7, 2023

“Miami, obviously,” said Lillard. “Bam (Adebayo) is my dog for real, but Miami is an obvious one. Brooklyn is another obvious one because Mikal Bridges is my dog too. Both of them have capable rosters."

Lillard has been a member of the Portland Trail Blazers for 11 seasons and expressed desire to remain with the organization. The 32-year-old guard, however, also wants to compete for a championship.

“I think I’ve made it clear you know what my wishes are: I want to have an opportunity to win in Portland… We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have."

Lillard’s hypothetical move to Miami or Brooklyn would greatly impact the Celtics. Boston has met the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals three times over the past four seasons, and the Celtics and Nets both compete in the Atlantic Division.

If Boston plans to trade for Lillard, their offer will likely need to include Jaylen Brown. The Celtics wing is eligible for a supermax contract, though no commitments have been made. 

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