NBA Trade Rumors: Predicting 8 most likely dark horse suitors for Damian Lillard

5. Brooklyn Nets

At one point before Damian Lillard officially made his trade demand to the Miami Heat, there was much speculation pointing at the Brooklyn Nets being the likely landing spot for him. Lillard has admitted he is good friends with Mikal Bridges and he openly said he wouldn’t mind paying for the Nets. Not to mention Brooklyn has a myriad of intriguing assets that the Blazers would be open to accepting in any deal for Lillard.

However, after it became apparent that Lillard wanted to be traded to the Heat only, the idea of the All-Star guard teaming up with Bridges in Brooklyn quickly diminished. However, with Miami not making any traction on such a deal, if there’s any team that should be willing to take the gamble on a move for Lillard, it’s the Nets.

Would Lillard truly be unhappy to play with one of his good friends? I’d take that gamble if I were the Nets. If Brooklyn truly believes that Bridges is the real deal, going all-in for Lillard makes sense. Then again, if the Nets don’t believe the move solely for Lillard makes them a contender, then this whole premise goes up in flames.