Sixers fans, take a deep breath. The question may be answered soon.
All offseason, there has been speculation as to whether or not the Trail Blazers star would request a trade, and it his intentions are still unclear. It has been said but not necessarily confirmed, that the Knicks and 76ers would be Lillard’s top two teams if he were to request a trade.
Given all the moves that the Knicks have made so far, will they want to get rid of their young guys to make it happen? To add on to that, they finally addressed their major issue and that is signing a point guard. Not only did they re-sign Derrick Rose, but also Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier. Would they want to make this deal? If you ask the 76ers fanbase and organization that question, the answer is likely yes and without a hesitation.
So what are these signs that have signaled that the 76ers may be in high pursuit of Damian Lillard?
Signs pointing toward a Damian Lillard trade to Sixers: Cryptic posts
To start off free agency, both Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid put out cryptic posts that no one has been able to figure out. It may be that they know something that the NBA world does not. Like a possible trade in the works? Also, could just be nothing.
What’s going on??
— Joel “Troel” Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) August 2, 2021
Fans speculate it was just a reference to the craziness going on in free agency, but it is very unsure given the circumstances going on in Philadelphia.
Signs pointing toward a Damian Lillard trade to Sixers: New hiring
This has 76ers fans going crazy! They are feeling about every emotion possible. They are excited, they are confused, and they are seeking more information. According to Fox Sports’ Yaron Wietzman, Philadelphia has hired Phil Beckner as a coaching consultant. Beckner is a longtime trainer and current trainer of Damian Lillard. Hmmmmmmmmm, what does that mean? It may just be a hire that Philly wanted to make to work with Ben Simmons, or it may have been a demand by Damian Lillard. That answer is unknown to the public.
76ers have added Phil Beckner as a coaching consultant, the team confirmed. Beckner, hired in July, is expected to assist the coaching staff in several areas.
— Yaron Weitzman (@YaronWeitzman) August 4, 2021
Beckner is a former Weber State assistant coach and the longtime trainer for Damian Lillard.
Signs pointing toward a Damian Lillard trade to Sixers: Lack of free agent spending
Though Philadelphia does not have the major cap space to spend this free agency, they did lock up Andre Drummond and Georges Niang, but with many roster spots to fill, that has been all. With Damian Lillard’s contract, Philadelphia would need to keep a little space left in their payroll to be able to take on his contract. A reason for the lack of spending this free agency may be because Philly wants to sign some guys on the veteran minimum after the first wave of players are signed. That is a possibility. Is it a sign? Or a coincidence?
Signs pointing toward a Damian Lillard trade to Sixers: Lack of offseason trades
The Philadelphia organization has been stalling in their Ben Simmons trade talks and did not move him on draft night. Their preference is to move him for an All-Star and that is exactly what Damian Lillard is. He is not only an All-Star, but an All-NBA and MVP caliber player to put alongside Embiid. The 76ers may have been hesitant to move Simmons on draft night due to the sense that Lillard may be realistically available.