The Damian Lillard trade has been gaining a lot of traction over the last few days. We could see the point guard shift bases any time soon. However, there is no solid information on where he will end up. Since the beginning of the trade request, the Miami Heat was the only team on Lillard’s radar. He also mentioned that he would start training camp only if gets traded to the Heat.
Lately, things haven’t been the same. Miami has offered multiple trade packages to the Portland Trail Blazers. However, none of the Heat’s assets have caught the eyes of Joe Cronin. The Heat have reached a dead end and the only way out is if they involve other teams. The only other team that is seriously being debated as a potential trade destination for the All-Star is the Toronto Raptors.
Scottie Barnes says goodbye to Toronto on his Instagram 👀
(Via @ScottBarnes561 IG) pic.twitter.com/9j43cbjEPs
— NBA Centel (Parody) (@TheNBACentel) September 26, 2023
Recently, a post by NBA Centel (a parody account of NBA Central) went viral on X. It featured a screenshot of the Raptors’ Scottie Barnes. The caption said, “Grateful for The North.” At first glance, it is quite easy to get caught off guard and think Barnes has been traded. However, it doesn’t avoid the fact that it was from a parody account. The Raptors had posted images on Instagram for World Gratitude Day.
The Raptors squash rumors regarding a potential Scottie Barnes swap for Damian Lillard
Toronto has stated that they’re interested in acquiring Damian Lillard from the Blazers. However, they barely have any assets to sacrifice for Lillard. Experts claimed that the only way Lillard would end up in Toronto is if they’re willing to trade Scottie Barnes. Based on this information, it made the viral post believable. However, the Raptors’ intentions are quite the opposite.
Kurt Helin of NBC Sports revealed that the Raptors have no intention of trading Barnes. Toronto has never considered placing Barnes on the table for such trade scenarios. He has been a cornerstone for the Raptors over the last two seasons. Barnes has averaged 15.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
There’s a growing consensus from around the league that Damian Lillard will ultimately end up in Miami, per @michaelgrange pic.twitter.com/2LnkxgctET
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 27, 2023
The Blazers would certainly love someone as versatile as Barnes, however, he is most certainly off the table. In reality, Damian Lillard may not even want to play for the Raptors either. Mainly because the Raptors themselves are rebuilding. Toronto could help facilitate the trade instead of dealing with the Heat. The Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls have also emerged as teams to possibly help facilitate the trade.