Proposed trade swaps Damian Lillard for Boston Celtics frontcourt, vet PG
A proposed Damian Lillard trade from NBA Analysis Network’s James Piercey would send the seven-time All-Star to the Boston Celtics in exchange for their entire frontcourt depth behind Kristaps Porzingis, a veteran point guard who needs time to “heal” after the organization’s attempt to trade him, and four draft picks.
In total, the Portland Trail Blazers would land Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams III, Al Horford, a 2024 First-Round Pick (GSW via BOS), a 2025 First-Round Pick (BOS), a 2027 First-Round Pick (BOS), and a 2029 First-Round Pick (BOS). Piercey believes this would be the best deal Portland could even ask for.
“This is an especially strong offer,” Piercey prefaced before saying, “If Robert Williams III can get healthy, it’ll be the best deal that Portland could hope for. Even if he can’t, they’re landing four unprotected first-round picks here. That should be enough to entice the Blazers to move on from Lillard.”
Trading for Damian Lillard would force the Boston Celtics to trade away Kristaps Porzingis and/or Derrick White
Piercey had doubts about such a proposal on the Boston Celtics’ side of the equation, pointing out that landing Lillard would possibly mean having to trade Porzingis and/or Derrick White in order to facilitate a Dame-Jaylen Brown-Jayson Tatum trio.
“Yes, there are causes for concern here,” Piercey prefaced before saying, “The Celtics’ salary sheet would suddenly be extremely complicated. In time, this deal may require them to trade Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White just to make room for their superstar trio of Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown. This deal also leaves them without draft capital moving forward.”
Does Brad Stevens roll the dice on a highly-priced Big Four or even Big Five depending on whether White can continue to produce at a near-star level? History doesn’t seem to indicate he would, but the NBA is wide open and has been for years, so if there’s enough of a pathway to going all-in and having it bear fruit?
Don’t count Brad out. The time for Banner 18 is now, and Wyc Grousbeck is ready to pony up whatever price it takes to raise it in the TD Garden rafters.