Looks like Dame time is finally up in Portland.
Thursday night’s NBA Draft will see the Portland Trailblazers with the No. 3 overall pick, which presents them with the opportunity to choose between two talented players in Scoot Henderson and Brandon Miller.
However, it’s not as straightforward as it seems.
The Blazers have failed to make the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, and their star, Damian Lillard, is nearing the end of his prime. Lillard wants to win a championship with the Blazers but may take some time to achieve this, meaning Portland could alter its timeline.
The Blazers could use players like Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe to acquire another star for Lillard, with Zion Williamson and Bam Adebayo identified as potential targets. But what if the Blazers don’t trade?
Bill Simmons: “Pick one player that you don’t think is on the same team 3 days from now…”
Brian Windhorst: “If the Blazers don’t trade that No. 3 pick, we’re headed for something there.” ? pic.twitter.com/Cffpr273JP
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 22, 2023
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believes Lillard will soon ask for a trade if the team doesn’t act soon. Windhorst stated that the Blazers plan to pick Henderson, but Lillard doesn’t want to partake in a youth movement or rebuilding process. Windhorst doubled down on Lillard being gone if they don’t trade their pick.
Damian Lillard does not want to play in a youth movement, per @WindhorstESPN
Teams are preparing to send trade offers to Portland for Damian Lillard tonight ?
(Via @GetUpESPN )
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 22, 2023
Windhorst says that the rest of the league is preparing their offers for the next 24-72 hours, and we should get ready for a bizarre NBA offseason.
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