The NBA trade buzz has been dominated by Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard, and recent discussions suggest that the Philadelphia 76ers are also there in the race to acquire him.
However, Kyle Neubeck of PhillyVoice.com, while confirming that talks between the 76ers and the Blazers took place, was quick to dismiss any serious efforts from Philadelphia’s side.
“There was some smoke out there today regarding Dame to the Sixers and that maybe the Sixers’ involvement in this process has been underplayed. I wouldn’t go quite that far yet. Here’s what I can tell you that I know for sure that the Sixers have certainly talked to the Blazers about Dame at different points throughout this offseason. Talking to someone and saying, ‘Hey, we would like Dame Lillard on our basketball team’ is not ‘We’re putting together a credible trade package for Dame Lillard.'”
The Sixers contacted the Blazers to discuss a Damian Lillard trade, per @KyleNeubeck
“Here’s what I can tell you that I know for sure that the Sixers have certainly talked to the Blazers about Dame at different points throughout this offseason.” pic.twitter.com/F2ASNKU7Af
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 23, 2023
Rumors suggest that a potential trade deal would require the Sixers to part with their young star, Tyrese Maxey, and more. However, Philadelphia seems reluctant to explore such a plan.
Despite the continued speculation, the Blazers have not found a deal that meets their expectations. With training camp around the corner, Lillard might just begin another season in Portland.
Philadelphia Sixers’ rivals express interest for Damian Lillard
Marc Spears of ESPN hinted at a mystery team’s interest in Lillard, leading many to speculate if the Sixers could be that team. However, recent reports have indicated that two Sixers rivals have joined the race: the Toronto Raptors and the Chicago Bulls.
Matt Moore of the Action Network shed light on the Raptors’ intentions stating, “That’s the thing nobody is really saying, but everyone around the league knows the Raptors were amongst the teams. They’ve kicked the tires.”
The Chicago Bulls are another team on the list. Neubeck recently shared insights regarding Chicago’s strategy, hinting at a potential multi-team deal involving Zach LaVine to make the way for Lillard.
“If/maybe when they trade [Zach] LaVine,” Neuback said. “They would want a star-level return, young players, picks… What I have heard in the last few days is that it looks like they might be trying to move LaVine as part of a multi-team deal just to see if they can get into the Dame Lillard sweepstakes.”
On today’s @PHLY_Sixers pod, we discussed the ongoing Lillard saga and a wild-card team I’ve heard is making calls to get in the mix — the Chicago Bulls
🎧https://t.co/4XneINe2SP pic.twitter.com/ereazkR6cB
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) September 20, 2023
Interestingly, while the Miami Heat remains Lillard’s preferred destination, they have thrown a challenge to the Blazers, urging them to find a more appealing trade deal elsewhere. However, it appears that Portland is yet to find a suitor offering a deal that fully captures their interest.
As the NBA gears up for another exciting season, only time will tell whether Lillard stay in Portland or take his talents to another city.