The race to acquire Damian Lillard has now sped up and multiple teams have begun placing their bets. This wasn’t the case of few months ago when the point guard first requested a trade. Most teams around the league were seemingly uninterested in the whole scenario. This is mainly because Lillard also firmly stated his interest in joining the Miami Heat. It ultimately kept other teams away from intervening.
The Miami Heat offered a trade package that included Tyler Herro and two first-round draft picks for Damian Lillard, per @MarcJSpears pic.twitter.com/hZEB9BBjtX
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 25, 2023
The Portland Trail Blazers were going back and forth with the Heat’s front office. Having gone through multiple trade packages involving several picks and Tyler Herro, the Blazers were unmoved. This eventually brought the trade to a complete standstill. Additionally, Miami had run out of options as well. With the scenario stuck at a dead end, both parties had no other choice but to consider involving other franchises.
The narrative that initially had Damian Lillard inevitably joining the Heat has changed. A few teams have stepped forth showing interest in helping Miami facilitate a trade. The Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls, and Toronto Raptors have emerged as top teams to help the Heat. However, the Raptors have now emerged as a potential destination for Lillard next season. Sources claim that Lillard may end up in Toronto if they agree to trade Scottie Barnes.
The Orlando Magic may pursue Lillard following Cole Anthony’s recent rumors
In a surprising turn of events, a team that has never been on the radar now wants to make themselves known amidst the situation. The Orlando Magic have reportedly shown interest in becoming a potential trade destination for Damian Lillard. Orlando could become a solid team to help facilitate the trade but considering what Lillard expects out of this scenario, it might not be the ideal team for him.
Recently, the Magic were rumored to have intentions of trading Cole Anthony. The star was drafted by the Magic in 2020 as the 15th overall pick. He has been putting up decent numbers but not what the Magic were expecting. Last season, Cole averaged 13 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. He is currently under contract with the Magic for one more year and is expected to become a restricted free agent next summer.
Orlando is a team that is currently rebuilding. And as mentioned earlier, it wouldn’t make sense for Lillard to move to a similar situation that he has already opted out of. As usual, fans had to share their opinions. One fan said, “Dame is not going to a rebuilding franchise. Lmao… He wants to win a championship.” Another fan said, “What team hasn’t been named at this point?”
What team hasn’t been named at this point?
— BullsKickAss (@Bullskickass) September 25, 2023
Dame is not going to a rebuilding franchise. Lmao
He wants to win a championship
— Julius (@InvestorJulius) September 25, 2023
The chances of Damian Lillard ending up in Orlando are very slim. However, the odds of Cole Anthony being traded shortly are very high. Orlando has to deal with potentially giving Jalen Suggs and Markelle Fultz contract renewals. The Magic will have to figure out ways to improve its roster while keeping its vital players happy.