Kofi Inkoom
The Damian Lillard sweepstakes could trigger significant NBA activity, including a scenario where Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns might be traded for Jusuf Nurkic of the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Portland Trail Blazers appear to be postponing the inevitable. Damian Lillard is eager to be traded, preferably to the Miami Heat or one of his preferred destinations.
“Damian Lillard is going to get traded very soon…I would even say probably within the next 24 hours…I am expecting a Damian Lillard trade.”
(via @Gambo987/@AZSports, h/t @TheHoopCentral )pic.twitter.com/sqB2SqOz3i
— NBArepublic.com (@nba_republic) September 21, 2023
A major trade could not only involve draft picks, exchanges, and player transfers in the NBA but also pave the way for a complete rebuild for the Blazers.
This shift would enable them to prioritize nurturing young talent, possibly leading to a deal involving Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Jusuf Nurkic.
The Blazers possess talent and youth in most positions, with the exception being Jusuf Nurkic as the center.
Once Damian Lillard is traded, the Suns may express interest in acquiring a seasoned rebounder, screen-setter, and rim-protector, as noted by John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.
Ok a serviceable defensive Center. He was actually good defensively before Chauncey took over. I still think he is above average. He is big but does not move as well after the leg injury. Has been a good rebounder. Can set screens and pass has some skill.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) September 21, 2023
John’s perspective highlights the pressing need for Suns’ head coach Vogel to secure a defensively-focused center for his team’s defensive core, with Nurkic fitting the bill.
This potential move largely hinges on the prospect of a Lillard trade, and there’s an expectation that it might happen sooner than later.
This scenario presents a mutually beneficial outcome for both teams involved. The Suns stand to acquire a prolific near double-double machine in the form of the Bosnian Beast, who averaged 9.1 rebounds last season.
It would also allow them to shift Deandre Ayton’s development to another team, enabling them to concentrate on a win-now approach for the NBA playoffs, led by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
On the other side of the equation, the Blazers reap substantial benefits. Their center position’s depth remains intact, and they avoid the scenario of losing Nurkic in free agency without any return.
Instead, they gain Ayton, who, despite being young with some raw skills, boasts valuable NBA postseason experience, having been part of an NBA finals run with the Suns just two years prior.
This is especially important considering their young core players like Anfernee Simons, Scoot Henderson, and Shaedon Sharpe are still relatively inexperienced in playoff situations.