NBA Trade Rumors: Predicting realistic Damian Lillard trades to Heat, Nets

What will end up happening with Damian Lillard this offseason?

At this point, it’s entirely impossible to predict what will happen with Damian Lillard this offseason. There’s a chance that he does end up asking for a trade but at this point, the overwhelming expectation has to be that he ends up riding it out with the Blazers as they attempt to build a contender around him.

The only way that I envision Lillard being traded this offseason is if the Blazers come together and realize they’re more equipped for a rebuild, with the young talent on their roster and the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, than a retooling. They then approach Lillard and let him know that they’re ready to trade him to a team that he wants to play with.

Short of that happening, the Blazers are going to try to upgrade their roster this offseason. And if they make a move, I have a hard time envisioning Lillard hitting the eject button on their effort.

Lillard clearly wants to win in Portland and would have to be forced out. At least that’s the way it seems at the moment. How will this all play out this offseason? At this point, it’s anyone’s guess. But if he does get traded, it’s clear that the Nets and Heat are at the front of the line.