In the wake of Damian Lillard requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, one NBA writer has pushed the Minnesota Timberwolves to acquire the seven-time All-Star. Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report named the Timberwolves as a team that should “risk” a Lillard trade.
“Everything Minnesota does moving forward should be about maximizing the roster around Edwards, even if that means trading Towns,” Swartz wrote. “With Conley set to turn 36 in October and with just one season remaining on his contract, bringing in Lillard as the long-term answer at point guard to pair with Edwards would create the most lethal backcourt in the NBA. Both are under contract for the next four-to-six seasons as well.
“Getting Lillard to Minnesota would likely require a third team, one that would be interested in Towns. At 27 and going into Year 9, the three-time All-Star doesn’t make sense on a rebuilding Portland Trail Blazers franchise.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Minnesota Timberwolves & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists for the Blazers last season. He is one of the best players in the NBA. The future Hall of Famer has career averages of 25.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists.
Lillard only wants to get traded to the Miami Heat. The Blazers, though, are “disinclined” to engage the Heat in serious Lillard trade talks, according to NBA insider Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Since Lillard doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, the Blazers can trade the Weber State product anywhere. Portland can even keep Lillard and force him to honor his contract.
The Blazers used Summer League in Las Vegas to get a fuller sense of the trade market for Lillard, according to NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic. Portland general manager Joe Cronin told NBA reporters in Vegas that he’s willing to wait months to trade Lillard.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Minnesota Timberwolves & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The Timberwolves made a massive trade last summer, acquiring Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz. It will be fascinating to see if Minnesota makes a play for Lillard this offseason.
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