Grade the trade: Celtics land Damian Lillard in proposed blockbuster
By Tyler Watts
Laying out a Boston Celtics trade for Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard requested a trade and granting it means the Blazers are shipping out arguably the best player in their franchise’s history. Portland must maximize the return, but that won’t be easy. Lillard is set on playing for the Heat. Miami is willing to offer Tyler Herro and a couple of picks, but the Trail Blazers are waiting for a better offer.
The Celtics could swoop in with multiple role players and a massive haul of draft picks after acquiring two firsts for Marcus Smart. Bleacher Report hypothesized this in their latest article.
The Celtics have been trying to trade Malcolm Brogdon, and Payton Pritchard wanted to be dealt after the season. The big hit for Boston is the four first-round draft picks and Robert Williams. The 6’9 big man is an elite defender, but he has struggled to stay healthy. It could be the perfect time to move on and land another superstar.
The Blazers could get additional draft capital for Brogdon, Williams, and Pritchard. The role players may help Portland build around Scoot Henderson, Jerami Grant, and Anfernee Simons if that is the direction that the team prefers.
This may be the best offer the Portland Trail Blazers can get, but would the Boston Celtics make this trade?