The Damian Lillard saga is the most talked about topic in the league right now. There has been plenty of speculation about what the Portland Trail Blazers asking price is, if they do in fact pull the trigger on a Dame trade.
Portland “are seeking in the neighborhood of four first-round picks and two quality players,” according to Aaron Fentress of the Oregonian.
That’s obviously a big asking price, but would you expect anything less for a six-time all-star, coming off one of his best seasons in his career? If Miami is in fact the landing spot, that asking price would definitely require them to bring in another team. The Heat are rumoured to be building a package around Tyler Herro and are reluctant to include Caleb Martin who had a break out post-season run.
The Blazers’ are in no way guaranteed to get close to what they might want as Dame’s agent has reportedly been warning teams that aren’t the Heat about getting involved with the 32-year-old, hurting Portland’s leverage.
Philadelphia, San Antonio and the Clippers have all been reported to have some role in the Lillard trade talks, with the Nets also considered a viable trade partner in any potential three-team deals.
Lillard waited till after free agency and got his teammate Jerami Grant paid before formally requesting the trade. There is a good chance Portland’s desired outcome is an indication of the franchise’s intent to play hardball and maximise the return.
Despite the Blazers’ substantial asking price, the Miami Heat are in strong position and would feel very good about their championship chances in the 2023/24 season if they were able to acquire Damian Lillard. A Big 3 of Jimmy, Bam and Dame would automatically make them the favourites to come out of the East and a serious threat to win it all.
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