NBA: Re-seeding the Eastern Conference after blockbuster Lillard trade

Re-seeding the NBA’s Eastern Conference after the blockbuster Damian Lillard trade. 

In an attempt to back the Portland Trail Blazers in a corner to trade him to the Miami Heat, Damian Lillard’s plan didn’t exactly work. However, even though he wasn’t traded to the Heat, it still ended up working out for Lillard. After being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, Lillard will have the opportunity to compete for a championship this season.

And, ultimately, isn’t that exactly what the trade demand was all about? Whether or not the trade made sense for the Blazers is an entirely different conversation, but the Lillard trade completely changes the dynamic of the Eastern Conference.

With the start of the season on the horizon, let’s re-seed the East.

Re-seeding the NBA’s Eastern Conference after the Damian Lillard trade

15. Washington Wizards

There’s really no trade here at the bottom with the Washington Wizards, who made the pivot toward a rebuilding team earlier this offseason by trading Bradley Beal. They have some talent on their roster but this is absolutely a team that will be striving to earn a top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

If there’s one thing that’s worth monitoring with this team, in addition to their young incumbent talent, it’s the progression of Jordan Poole. After taking somewhat of a step back this past season in Golden State, it’ll be interesting to see what Poole looks like with a bit more freedom in Washington.

But, again, if the Wizards don’t finish with the worst record in the Eastern Conference, it would be somewhat surprising.