Any Damian Lillard trade made would be an insane blockbuster at this point. NBA betting trends may point toward a move happening, considering how many major names have been dealt over the past 12 months.
It’s been a very busy time in the NBA landscape, with a ton of wild moves that folks could never in a thousand years have predicted to come true. NBA odds certainly point toward Portland finally cutting ties and considering rebuilding and moving one of the best players they’ve ever had.
Any Damian Lillard team next season is going to be a problem for the league. If he does stay in Portland, they now have a wide array of top guards who can come in and impact the game. Anfernee Simons can be a high-level scorer, as he (and his contract) have already proven in the league.
Shaedon Sharpe was unstoppable at the end of the season as he shouldered heavy minutes and playmaking opportunities. And of course, No. 3 pick Scoot Henderson has a superstar career ahead of him.
Keep in mind; Portland does have talent around him. More now than last season. The NBA injury report has been the only thing stopping Dame the past two years. His NBA stats are insanely impressive and have been for quite some time now. So whichever Damian Lillard team makes the move for him (if any), well. Be ready.
Damian Lillard Next Team 2023-24 Odds
Team | Odds |
Miami Heat | -250 |
New York Knicks | +600 |
Brooklyn Nets | +250 |
Los Angeles Lakers | +1000 |
Dallas Mavericks | +1800 |
Los Angeles Clippers | +1200 |
Chicago Bulls | +2000 |
Atlanta Hawks | +2000 |
Memphis Grizzlies | +2500 |
Toronto Raptors | +300 |
Odds to Land Elsewhere
Miami is the far-and-away favorite to land Lillard at -250. He mentioned he would not join the team if they won the NBA Finals, but considering they went all the way there as the lowest seed in the postseason, it is wild to think about. That team screams underdog and possible landing spot for a superstar.
Damian Lillard stats have impressed going all the way back to his first year in the league. He can score as well as any player in the league and would be a nice addition in Miami.
One thing they have lacked the last few seasons is a playmaking point guard. He can come in and be the guy for them, taking pressure off of Jimmy Butler. Adding another player who can help them close out games. And considering that Tyler Herro has spent the better part of two playoff runs glued to the bench with injury, it would make a lot of sense for them to try and sell some pieces to bring the superstar to the team.
Nets’ Pursuit: Will They Land Damian Lillard?
The Nets are next at +250, with plenty of picks and assets that they could move for #0. If they become the next Damian Lillard team, the biggest thing would be trying to hold on to Mikal Bridges. He is their top guy at the moment and proved all last season after the deadline that he was good enough to be. He is a high-level scorer who came into the league as a defensive-minded player. Not much escapes him on either side of the floor.
Brooklyn has a nice future ahead after trading both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant last season. Injury problems and off-court issues made it worth it. NBA picks are very tradable, and the team proved how much value they have in trying to acquire other stars and pieces.
Some of the Other Suitors
While Miami and Brooklyn are the frontrunners, they are far from the only teams who would pull the trigger on a trade for Portland’s prized star. The Raptors come in at +300, with Pascal SIakam being the biggest thing they could give up. He has mentioned he may not necessarily re-sign with another team if traded there, but it could be worth the risk for Portland, believing they could sell him on culture.
The Knicks are at +600, but they should be okay with Jalen Brunson, and another point guard would complicate the great situation they have. The Lakers are at +1000, but without moving Anthony Davis, it would be hard to imagine a deal being able to be done.
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