NBA Trades: 6 Deals Portland must consider for Damian Lillard

NBA Trades #5: Boston Celtics

Despite already trading for an all-star and having two more on their roster, the Boston Celtics have been linked to Lillard. While the most obvious deal would involve trading Jaylen Brown for Dame, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne has reported that the Celtics could cobble together a deal for him without including their best players.

Doing so would be wildly expensive, though it would keep another team in the Eastern Conference from getting him. Better yet, it would serve as payback for Boston after Miami eliminated them last season in the Eastern Conference Finals.

A potential trade package would have to include Derrick White and Malcolm Brogdon, as well as Payton Pritchard. Additionally, they could include their 2024, 2026, and 2029 first-round picks and a 2028 first-round pick swap.

That might not be the best offer that Portland receives for Lillard, but it is actually better than it first appears. For instance, White is certainly worth a first-round pick on his own, and perhaps Brogdon too if fully healthy.

Portland could later trade each to a contender, perhaps resulting in Dame being moved for the equivalent of five first-rounders. It might be worth a shot for Boston, but Portland might have better offers to choose from.