1. Damian Lillard
Lillard has requested a trade, but his preferred destination is Miami. Will the seven-time All-Star soften his stance? If not, the Blazers are prepared to keep him.
This could play out just like Kevin Durant’s trade request did last summer. The Nets did not find a suitable deal, so they kept him until the deadline before dealing him to Phoenix for a monster package.
What if Portland still does not want Miami’s best offer? It could open the door for other teams, and fans know that Daryl Morey is always looking for a star. He is never afraid to be bold, but it has not always worked out. Look back to acquiring Dwight Howard and Russell Westbrook in Houston. Even the Chris Paul trade ended in disaster, but none of it stopped Morey from bringing that philosophy to Philly.
Lillard is an elite shooter and scorer that would fit perfectly next to Joel Embiid. Acquiring him will cost the Sixers Tyrese Maxey, but that could be the price of keeping the reigning MVP happy and in the City of Brotherly Love long-term.
The Philadelphia 76ers will be under the microscope through February’s trade deadline. Can Daryl Morey trade James Harden and get enough in return to keep his team in title contention? If not, what does that mean for Joel Embiid? Stay tuned to find out.
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