Since a deal with the Miami Heat remains stuck in limbo, other NBA teams are contemplating making a move for Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers.
One of those teams might be the Toronto Raptors, who could certainly use Lillard’s custom brand of point guard greatness.
But NBA expert Zach Lowe doesn’t believe the Raptors will give up one of their biggest stars to get him.
“I don’t think Toronto would consider moving Scottie Barnes in a Damian Lillard trade,” Lowe said, via Basketball On X and NBACentral.
"I don't think Toronto would consider moving Scottie Barnes in a Damian Lillard trade."
– Zach Lowe
(h/t @BasketballOnX ) pic.twitter.com/3YPlo0tJuu
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 21, 2023
How would that go over with Portland’s front office?
They have shown that they want a lot for Lillard and they are not willing to take anything less than their demands.
Negotiations with the Heat have come to a standstill because the Blazers have rejected every offer the Heat have presented.
They are set in their determination to earn win-now talent and future draft picks too.
There is a very good chance they would want Barnes.
Even if the Raptors offer a bunch of other assets – as the Heat did – it might not be enough for Portland.
You can’t blame the Trail Blazers, as Barnes is a former Rookie of the Year averaging 15.3 points and 6.6 rebounds a game.
He could easily be the future of the franchise and the Blazers would be very happy with him on board.
But the Raptors wish to hold onto him and perhaps the allure of Lillard isn’t enough to make them change their minds.
If the Blazers and Raptors do decide to discuss a trade and Barnes does become a sticking point, we might face another stalled negotiation for Lillard.
NEXT: 1 Surprise Team Has Reportedly Joined Sweepstakes For Damian Lillard
