Damian Lillard has been requesting a trade for more than two months, but nothing has come of it. Since the Heat are unable to meet the expectations of the Blazers, trade discussions and speculations with the Miami Heat, where Lillard would love to play, appear to have seemingly come to an end.
Tyrese Maxey would almost certainly be the important asset Portland would seek in exchange if the Sixers and the Blazers were to truly negotiate a deal focused around Lillard. The Sixers believe Maxey is untouchable at this stage of his career, according to previous reports in the basketball world.
“I think Maxey is the prime piece. And again, if Philadelphia was making that offer, Dame Lillard might be in Philly right now, but they are not.”
Per- Brian Windhorst pic.twitter.com/24gxxlK6x3
— Aidan LaPorta (@aidanlaporta69) September 16, 2023
According to Brian Windhorst, Maxey is the prime piece in all of this. “I think Maxey is the prime piece. And again, if Philadelphia were making that offer, Dame Lillard might be in Philly right now, but they are not,” he said. Maxey is better than Tyler Herro in terms of upside potential and trade value, although the gap between the two players isn’t that wide.
The deal offered by Miami, would almost certainly include Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr.. It would also add to two first-round selections and other trades that offer Portland a lot more youthful talent overall. Tyrese would have to be extremely valuable in Joe Cronin’s eyes for him to pass up two other young talents, which would be unusual considering Portland’s commitment to Scoot Henderson.
How will Tyrese Maxey fit into the Blazers team?
A recent analysis of a potential Damian Lillard deal by ESPN’s NBA insiders was published. There were various potential possibilities, which sent Maxey to Portland, Lillard to the Sixers, and James Harden to the Clippers. Damian Lillard, Terance Mann, Norman Powell, and Robert Covington are acquired by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Furkan Korkmaz, Tyrese Maxey, Jaden Springer, Nicolas Batum, Amir Coffey, Marcus Morris Sr., as well as 2028 and 2030 first-round selections (from the Los Angeles Clippers) are acquired by the Portland Trail Blazers.
One of the best steals of the 2020 draft, the teenage guard has been a quiet success for the Sixers. Portland’s interest in Maxey is not unexpected because of his fluid shooting and quick style of play. His playing style has made him one of the most captivating young guards. Damian Lillard is keen on a transfer, but the Sixers’ insistence on keeping Maxey puts an end to that possibility.
Assuming this deal magically comes true, the Blazers will receive a highly bright young player. Tyrese Maxey averaged 20.3 points per game as a 22-year-old last season. Will Maxey and two first-round choices be enough for Lillard when the rest of the package is primarily contract padding?
That will most likely be determined by what else is now being given to Portland. Massive multi-team trade concepts like this are rare, but with a few modifications, they may be rather intriguing.