Grade the Trade: Celtics land Damian Lillard in mock 3-team blockbuster

Grade the Trade: Celtics land Damian Lillard in mock 3-team blockbuster: The trade

As of now, everyone is looking at the Miami Heat and their offer, as Damian Lillard has emphasized his desire to play there. But could the Boston Celtics beat their offer with the help of the Dallas Mavericks and hope Jayson Tatum convinces Lillard to join forces?

*Richaun Holmes cannot be traded with two or more players on the Mavericks until August 21, so this trade would have to wait.*

Obviously, Lillard would be the centerpiece of this deal, but there are a ton of moving parts as well, as this would end up being an eight-player trade, with five first-rounders included as well. Joining Lillard in Boston would be Richaun Holmes, who is a solid backup center option. He has two years left on his current contract.

Robert Williams, Grant Williams, and Payton Pritchard would be sent to the Trail Blazers. Robert Williams is a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber big man when healthy, Grant Williams is a solid 3-and-D forward who would be signed and traded, and Pritchard has the skills to be a solid backup point guard.

Tim Hardaway Jr. and Reggie Bullock would also head to Portland. The latter has two years left on his contract, while the former will be an expiring deal.

Lastly, Malcolm Brogdon and Jusuf Nurkic would be traded to the Mavericks. Brogdon is fresh off a Sixth Man of the Year season, while Nurkic has three years left on his deal and wouldn’t be needed in Portland post-Lillard trade.

Now, let’s grade the trade for each team, starting with the Mavericks, then the Trail Blazers, and then finally, the Celtics.