BROOKLYN, NY- The Portland Trailblazers’ point guard Damian Lillard has made one of the worst decisions of his career.
The guard has signed a two-year $122 million extension that keeps him in Portland until the 2026-27 NBA season.
Lillard has dedicated 10 seasons to the Trail Blazers franchise and Portland hasn’t assembled a team to bring him to glory.
A player with his talent has a lot of leeway in playing for championship contenders for a chance at the Lary O’Brian trophy.
But what are some better options for the Trail Blazers legend?
Miami Heat Trade
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A trade request to the Miami Heat guarantees Lillard a chance to finally reach the finals and possibly help Miami win it.
Miami would trade Kyle Lowry, Duncan Robinson, and a 2024 first round draft pick in exchange for Lillard.
The Heat’s new lineup would consist of Lillard, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo, where Adebayo and Butler have the potential to provide a lot of productivity on the defensive side of the basketball.
All they need Lillard to do is score some points, which he is very capable of doing.
Not only that, he can rely on players like Victor Oladipo and Tyler Herro to step up while he is resting on the bench.
Lillard To Boston
Image curtesy of Lynne Sladky/Associated Press
The Eastern Conference Champions were only two games away from winning the championship but turnovers, as well as a monstrous performance from Stephen Curry derailed their chances.
With Boston, Lillard could guide the Celtics to their first NBA Championship since the 2007-08 season.
Just like Miami, they have one of the best defenses in the league. In fact, they were the number one ranked defense in the 2021-22 season.
A Lillard trade for Jaylen Brown and Derrick White could be beneficial for both teams. On Boston’s end of the deal, they get a perennial point guard that has a similar ability to stretch the floor like Curry.
Not only that, he can also alleviate Jayson Tatum from scoring the basket, and vice versa.
For Portland, they would obtain a great scorer and defender in Jaylen Brown and he would pair up nicely with Anfernee Simons.
The Brooklyn Nets
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Lillard has shown interest in playing with Kevin Durant in Portland.
Durant has requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, but if Lillard gets traded there, it could convince the slim reaper to stay.
In this scenario, it would involve a three way trade involving the Nets, the Miami Heat, and the Trail Blazers.
The Heat would receive Kyrie Irving, the Nets would receive Lillard, and the Trail Blazers would receive Kyle Lowry and Duncan Robinson.
It benefits Brooklyn because they will get an all-star guard for the long term to pair up with Durant for at least four years.
Not only that, the Nets would get a reliable guard who won’t likely miss games unless he is injured.
What’s Next For Him?
Lillard is stuck in a hard position now. Unless he requests for a trade, he is most likely going to stay with Portland until he retires.
If the Trail Blazers can find a way to bring another star for their point guard, then they will be fine.
Unfortunately, since they are a small market team, and they do not have a good trade package to require other stars without including Lillard in that deal, they are stuck with the team that they currently have.
