The 5-Team Trade Proposal: Damian Lillard Joins Celtics, Jaylen Brown Moves to Bulls, James Harden Heads to Pelicans
Damian Lillard wants to play for the Miami Heat instead of the Portland Trail Blazers. However, he won’t be able to leave because the Heat don’t have enough valuable players or resources to trade for him.
The Boston Celtics are interested in getting Damian Lillard. They might try to make a deal with other teams to acquire him. This trade could involve five teams and also include sending James Harden to a different team.
Boston Celtics Receive: Damian Lillard
Chicago Bulls Receive: Jaylen Brown
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: James Harden
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: CJ McCollum, Robert Williams, Dyson Daniels, 2024 First-Round Pick (BOS), 2024 First-Round Pick (NOP), 2026 First-Round Pick (BOS), 2030 First-Round Pick (CHI)
The Celtics acquire Damian Lillard
The Boston Celtics want to pair Jayson Tatum with Damian Lillard. Lillard is considered better and a better fit for Tatum than Jaylen Brown. Lillard’s impressive stats and scoring ability will make things easier for Tatum, allowing him to focus on dominating the game. In the trade, the Celtics would give up Jaylen Brown, Robert Williams, and two first-round picks to acquire Lillard, which is a fair deal for a superstar like him.
Chicago Bulls pair Jaylen Brown with Zach LaVine
The Chicago Bulls want to become competitive again and believe that acquiring Jaylen Brown could help. Brown would add another top scorer alongside Zach LaVine, forming a strong duo. Brown’s individual stats and potential make him an attractive addition to the Bulls. In the trade, the Bulls would give up DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, and a first-round pick to get Brown, preferably with a long-term contract. Brown would likely be interested in joining a big market team where he can be the focal point.
The Pelicans get a floor general
The New Orleans Pelicans need a true floor general, and adding James Harden could be a solution. Harden’s playmaking skills would complement Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson’s scoring abilities. Despite Harden’s declining scoring, he would fit well as a third option. The Pelicans would need to trade CJ McCollum, Dyson Daniels, and a first-round pick to acquire Harden from the Portland Trail Blazers. While Harden currently prefers the Los Angeles Clippers, the Pelicans could convince him with their basketball fit and star players.
The Philadelphia 76ers acquire a top player
If James Harden is determined to leave the Philadelphia 76ers, the best option for them is to trade for a star-level player like DeMar DeRozan and veteran Alex Caruso. DeRozan is a skilled scorer, especially in clutch situations, and Caruso is a strong perimeter defender. Acquiring these players in exchange for Harden’s expiring contract would keep the 76ers competitive and improve their starting lineup, particularly on defense.
Great package for the Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers would likely want a significant return for trading Damian Lillard, and this trade package provides that. It includes young players to develop, like Robert Williams, a talented shot-blocker and rim-runner. Dyson Daniels, a promising defensive player, and four first-round picks are also part of the package. While taking on CJ McCollum’s contract may be challenging, he could be a leader for the team’s future. Overall, this package offers the kind of return the Trail Blazers would desire for their star player.
Win-win deal for everyone
Each team engaged in this trade has big reasons to do so. They either acquire a star player or many important assets, perhaps satisfying all five franchises. It has the potential to change the league, but whether these five teams can agree on such a move in the future remains to be seen.
Read More: Two Blockbuster Trades With Which The Philadelphia 76ers Can Create A Superteam
