In light of the buzz surrounding Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard possibly coming to the Brooklyn Nets thanks to his fondness of Nets wing Mikal Bridges, there was a mock trade in which Brooklyn acquires Lillard. Where a Lillard trade happens will depend on what direction the Nets decide to go into in this offseason.
Brooklyn had an uneven 2022-2023 campaign as they started the season with championship aspirations because of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. However, after Durant and Irving wanted out for various reasons, the Nets had to retool on the fly after getting four new players in their starting lineup, led by Bridges.
Brooklyn was able to win enough games to make the playoffs as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs before getting swept by the third-seeded Philadelphia 76ers. The playoffs showed that while Bridges and Cam Johnson appear to have promising futures, if the Nets want to get back into the championship conversation, they’ll need a star or two. That’s where this mock trade could be the answer per Bleacher Report:
The mock trade
Brooklyn Nets receive: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers receive: Spencer Dinwiddie, Joe Harris, Cam Thomas, Day’Ron Sharpe, 2025 first-round pick (via PHO), 2027 first-round pick (via PHO) and 2029 first-round pick (via PHO)
Should the Nets do this trade?
While Brooklyn would be getting the superstar that they need in Damian Lillard, it’s worth wondering if the cost will be worth it. Spencer Dinwiddie is one of the better drivers and facilitators in the NBA, Joe Harris is one of the best shooters in the league, and Cam Thomas is a talented scorer who has produced when given the playing time. Plus, giving the three first-round picks via Phoenix Suns could prove costly in 2027 and 2029 when the Suns aren’t expected to be as good as they are now. However, Lillard is one of the best players in the game today and can be an offense unto himself.
Verdict: Yes, the Nets should do this trade
What B/R thinks of the trade
“If the Nets think they found a star in Mikal Bridges—who erupted for 26.1 points on 47.5/37.6/89.4 shooting over 27 games after his deadline deal to Brooklyn—they shouldn’t waste any time building something significant around him. He’ll turn 27 this offseason, so if he hasn’t entered his prime yet, he’ll get there soon.
Brooklyn could fast-track its way back up the Eastern Conference hierarchy with a daring deal for Damian Lillard, who might finally be ready to concede that what’s best for him and what’s best for the Blazers may not be the same thing anymore.”
Story originally appeared on Nets Wire