Kofi Inkoom
The Damian Lillard trade saga has been the focal point of this offseason, with numerous teams in the mix to acquire the star point guard.
However, it appears that the Miami Heat, often seen as the frontrunners in this pursuit, might encounter difficulties due to their asset limitations, as indicated by reports from the Blazers’ general manager, Joe Cronin.
Despite Lillard’s preference for a trade to Miami, new contenders have emerged recently, and the latest entrant into the fray is the Chicago Bulls.
According to Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports, the Chicago Bulls have emerged as a “wildcard team” entering the pursuit for the seven-time All-NBA star point guard.
During a recent podcast, Neubeck dropped hints about an Eastern Conference team shrouded in mystery, and the revelation of the Bulls being actively involved in the Lillard sweepstakes turned heads.
On today’s @PHLY_Sixers pod, we discussed the ongoing Lillard saga and a wild-card team I’ve heard is making calls to get in the mix — the Chicago Bulls
🎧https://t.co/4XneINe2SP pic.twitter.com/ereazkR6cB
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) September 20, 2023
The proposed scenario involves reshaping the 2023-24 Bulls around DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, and the potential addition of Damian Lillard, with Zach LaVine potentially parting ways.
However, the Windy City faces a significant roadblock: capital. The Bulls currently lack the assets needed for a blockbuster trade. With one overpaid NBA star in their ranks and another, DeRozan, entering his age 34 season while demanding a max contract next season, Chicago finds itself with limited young talent and draft selections to sweeten the deal.
Portland, on the other hand, has made it abundantly clear that their demands for Lillard are high, as they should be for a player often ranked among the league’s top ten.
The Bulls might need to consider additional transactions, possibly involving LaVine, to meet Portland’s expectations.
The question then arises: What should Chicago be willing to give up for a chance to bring Damian Lillard to the Windy City? The cost could involve a combination of players like Patrick Williams, Coby White, Dalen Terry, and Zach LaVine.
Landing Lillard would not only mark their first All-NBA point guard since Derrick Rose but also potentially secure a playoff appearance year after year, given Lillard’s impressive 80% playoff rate in Portland, even with a weaker roster and market.
The dilemma for the Bulls is clear. If they don’t go all-in on the Lillard sweepstakes, they could end up with a roster quite similar to the one that missed the playoffs in the previous season.
However, the allure of Damian Lillard’s arrival in Chicago offers the promise of a new era for the franchise, one that fans are eagerly anticipating.